DRC and Rwanda Launch U.S.-Backed Framework for Great Lakes Economic Integration

Overview

• The State Department unveiled the REIF as a DRC–Rwanda, locally led framework to turn recent peace into practical economic cooperation.
• Priority work targets mineral sector reform by formalizing artisanal mining, establishing traceability, and curbing smuggling to enable responsible global supply chains.
• Plans seek to expand electricity access and upgrade roads, ports, and digital connectivity to link markets and connect to routes such as the Lobito Corridor.
• Collaboration extends to national park conservation and sustainable tourism as well as cross-border disease alerts, health protocols, and emergency readiness.
• DRC and Rwanda are organizing the first REIF Summit to set priorities, create joint technical teams, and align with the new peace agreement, while the United States and partners signal technical, investment, and private-sector support.