Kigali / Kinshasa – August 2025 — Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have taken a major step toward deepening bilateral relations by committing to a wide-ranging economic cooperation agreement, with support from the United States government.

The announcement follows the signing of a Declaration of Principles under the Peace Accords on June 27, 2025, in Washington, D.C.. On August 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of State confirmed that the two countries had agreed to align on several strategic development goals under the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF).

Key Sectors of Rwanda-DRC Cooperation

The REIF outlines collaboration in the following critical sectors:

Mining and Natural Resources

Rwanda and the DRC will develop a legal and traceable mineral supply chain, targeting the elimination of illegal mining and smuggling of conflict minerals. The two nations aim to ensure that the profits from mineral resources directly benefit citizens, rather than fueling conflict or corruption.

Energy Development

The framework emphasizes joint investment in energy infrastructure, including:

• The Ruzizi III Hydropower Project
• Methane gas extraction from Lake Kivu
• Creation of a shared electricity market to support industries and households

Transport and Infrastructure

Both governments have committed to improving cross-border transport, trade logistics, and communication infrastructure. These investments are intended to ease the movement of goods and people and attract private sector participation.

Agriculture and Industry

The agreement includes strategies for modernizing agriculture, promoting agro-processing, and building a more resilient industrial base. These efforts are expected to increase productivity and food security across the region.

Tourism and National Parks

The two countries plan to develop sustainable cross-border tourism by protecting shared natural parks, harmonizing laws for conservation, and supporting eco-tourism initiatives that empower local communities.

Public Health and Disease Control

Rwanda and the DRC will intensify collaboration on:

• Cross-border disease surveillance
• Epidemic prevention and outbreak control
• Shared medical research and data exchange
• Public health infrastructure in border regions

Joint Security and Monitoring

A follow-up meeting was held on July 31, 2025, to launch the Joint Monitoring Committee responsible for implementing the Peace Accords. A second high-level meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2025, where both parties will:

• Review joint security progress
• Address the dismantling of the FDLR armed group
• Coordinate the lifting of military measures, subject to security improvements

Rwanda emphasized that its security policies will remain in place until the DRC fully breaks ties with the FDLR, which Kigali considers a terrorist organization threatening its national sovereignty.

“Rwanda is committed to regional peace but will not compromise on its security,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe in a recent briefing to Parliament.

A U.S.-Backed Roadmap to Prosperity in Central Africa

The United States views this agreement as a critical path toward peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes Region. By aligning economic development with peacebuilding, the REIF program is designed to reduce conflict drivers, boost regional trade, and deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

According to the U.S. State Department:

“This agreement is a turning point. It reflects a shared vision of sustainable growth, mutual respect, and long-term cooperation between Rwanda and the DRC.”