The United States announced the development following a meeting held on Friday, August 1, 2025. Rwanda was represented by Antoine Marie Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, while the DRC delegation included an expert in economic affairs. The U.S. was represented by Massad Boulos, Advisor for African Affairs.
The move builds on the Washington Declaration of Principles signed in April and aligns with the broader Peace Agreement signed on June 27, 2025, with the support of the United States.
Rooted in mutual respect, sovereignty, and shared prosperity, the REIF outlines a forward-looking economic partnership designed to unlock investment opportunities, curb illicit mineral trade, and support sustainable development across multiple sectors.
Shared commitment to stability and inclusive development
Both governments reaffirm their commitment to combating the illicit trade of minerals, which has long fueled violence and undermined good governance in the region. By formalising their cooperation through the REIF, Rwanda and the DRC aim to dismantle the economic drivers of conflict and shift toward a future anchored in cross-border collaboration, industrial development, and community empowerment.
The framework recognises the potential for greater synergy with regional and continental bodies, particularly through the revitalisation of the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL) and seeks alignment with initiatives such as the African Union's Continental Power Systems Masterplan.
Mineral supply chains
Rwanda and the DRC have committed to jointly reforming and formalising the mineral sector, particularly in critical minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten, niobium, and gold. They aim to eradicate the financing of armed groups through illicit trade and to develop a world-class, industrial mining sector that creates value from extraction to end-user.
Both countries will work toward formalising artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), expanding opportunities for alternative livelihoods, and strengthening transparency, traceability, and professional standards.
Improving cross-border interoperability, particularly in border management, is central to this effort. By doing so, they hope to attract global investment and promote equitable value sharing through industrial development initiatives.
While reaffirming sovereign control over natural resources, both governments agree that communities must benefit directly from the revenues and advantages generated through extraction, processing, and trade. This approach aims to promote a productive, rules-based economy anchored in transparency and local empowerment.
Energy cooperation
Energy is viewed as a cornerstone of industrialisation and regional development. The two countries have expressed their intention to prioritise increased electricity generation and access for both industry and households. They will focus on completing the Ruzizi III hydropower project and sustainably exploiting methane gas from Lake Kivu for electricity generation and transmission.
These efforts will be coordinated with neighbouring countries and guided by the African Union's Continental Power Systems Masterplan. Where appropriate, the multilateral governance structures of the CEPGL may be used to support implementation.
Infrastructure development
Rwanda and the DRC will cooperate in developing mutually beneficial infrastructure in sectors such as transportation, logistics, and information and communication technology (ICT).
This includes plans for passenger and cargo transport infrastructure, warehousing, ports, and markets. Both governments are keen to attract private sector investment that can catalyse economic growth in the Great Lakes region.
These infrastructure initiatives will be aligned with the U.S.-supported Lobito Corridor to enhance regional and global connectivity and improve access to international markets.
National park management and cross-border tourism
The two countries also plan to collaborate on cross-border conservation and science-based management of biodiversity and ecosystems. A key part of this will be the development of a coordinated cross-border security strategy to address shared threats in protected areas. This includes harmonising enforcement mechanisms and legal frameworks.
Additionally, Rwanda and the DRC intend to build a sustainable cross-border tourism sector by supporting each other's tourism operators and promoting community-based initiatives. They plan to implement a harmonised tourism revenue-sharing model and standardised policies to strengthen community livelihoods through conservation.
Public health cooperation
Recognising the importance of a united health response, Rwanda and the DRC have agreed to strengthen cross-border coordination to prevent and manage disease outbreaks. This includes collaborative planning and response to epidemics and pandemics, with an emphasis on information sharing to promote scientific research and health-related commercial ventures.
Other areas of cooperation
The REIF is designed as a living platform, allowing for the continuous identification and integration of new opportunities. The Participants are committed to exploring expanded cooperation in areas such as water and sanitation infrastructure, agribusiness (including livestock), education, sports, and entertainment.
They have also pledged to accelerate trade liberalisation and regional integration, ensuring that REIF remains dynamic and responsive to emerging regional needs.
The REIF will be finalised through a dedicated agreement outlining coordination mechanisms for its implementation. Officials from both countries have reiterated that all efforts will be carried out in full respect of national laws and sovereignty.
Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, previously told Parliament that while economic cooperation is a pillar of the Washington peace agreement, separate economic agreements would follow. The REIF now serves as the foundation for those agreements, charting a clear and strategic path from principle to execution.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/inside-the-rwanda-drc-economic-integration-framework
