Imagine a region where economic ties are the cornerstone of peace and stability. That’s the bold vision driving a groundbreaking regional meeting set to take place in Kinshasa on 14 November 2025. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can economic integration truly pave the way for lasting peace in the Great Lakes Region? This question lies at the heart of the ‘High-Level Segment – The Great Lakes in Action: Economic Integration for Lasting Peace – Success Stories,’ a full-day event that will bring together over 250 public decision-makers, business leaders, financial institutions, and technical partners. Held on the sidelines of the 9th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), this gathering is more than just a meeting—it’s a declaration of shared commitment to place economic diplomacy at the forefront of regional progress.
Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the event aims to transform the region through concrete projects in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture—sectors widely recognized as the engines of Africa’s economic transformation. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about building roads or power plants; it’s about creating a web of interdependence that fosters trust and cooperation. For instance, the Lobito Corridor, connecting the DRC, Zambia, and Angola to the Atlantic Ocean, isn’t just a transportation route—it’s a lifeline for trade and a symbol of unity. Similarly, the Tanzania-Burundi-DRC railway project, backed by the African Development Bank and the East African Community, promises to unlock new opportunities for cross-border investment.
Jointly organized by the Ministry of Regional Integration and the Public-Private Partnership Council and Coordination Unit (UC-PPP), the event will spotlight these and other flagship initiatives, including the DRC-Uganda road corridor. But it’s not just about showcasing success stories; it’s about fostering dialogue and collaboration. High-profile attendees, such as Téte António, Angola’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Xia Huang, the United Nations Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, will join Secretaries of State from African regional economic communities and representatives from the African Union, European Union, and major financial institutions like AFD and AfDB. The presence of the President of the Republic or her representative, along with the Prime Minister, underscores the gravity of this endeavor.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Alongside the main event, a regional digital platform will be launched to monitor integration projects in real time and amplify their impact. This tool isn’t just about transparency—it’s about building trust between public and private partners, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of economic diplomacy. As H.E. Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi, Minister of Regional Integration, aptly stated, ‘Our region can only consolidate peace if it creates the conditions for shared prosperity. There can be no lasting stability without economic integration, without roads that connect, without energy that powers, and without trade that builds trust.’
This meeting isn’t just a milestone for the DRC and the Great Lakes Region; it’s a testament to their resolve to make economic diplomacy a lasting instrument for peace and shared development under the Congolese presidency of the ICGLR. But here’s the question we leave you with: In a region with diverse interests and historical tensions, can economic integration truly overcome political and social divides? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of the Great Lakes Region.
