The global energy transition represents a significant opportunity for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with its vast reserves of copper, cobalt and other critical minerals, says Africa-focused financial services organisation Standard Bank DRC chief executive and corporate and investment head MarieGabrielle Opese.

Considering the DRC’s strategic role in the global battery value chain, interest in the raw materials used to make battery storage systems and associated technologies is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

This creates strong momentum for projects that not only support mining operations but also contribute to building local industrial capabilities and deeper integration into global value chains, adds Opese.

However, Opese says unlocking this full potential depends heavily on scaling up investments in essential infrastructure, particularly in electricity transmission and distribution.

The DRC’s true mining potential extends well beyond providing essential minerals for the global market, as it encompasses the development of industries, infrastructure and capabilities that generate sustained value for local economies and communities.

With decades of experience in supporting mining development initiatives in the region, Standard Bank DRC remains committed to leveraging its expertise in project finance, structured finance and investment solutions to facilitate “transformative projects”.

“The ambition is clear: to support industrialisation, strengthen local value creation and position DRC as a leading player in the industries of the future. This long-term vision continues to shape partnerships and guide engagement across the country,” says Opese.

Further, the country’s mining sector will not depend only on the quality of its resources but also the strength of the infrastructure that supports extraction, processing and export.

Opese says building reliable and efficient energy systems is, therefore, fundamental to unlocking sustainable growth and industrial transformation.

Financing the Future

African banks and financial organisations have a “special strength”, as a result of their understanding of local markets and maintaining good relationships with international investors, development finance groups and agencies that support exporting, says Opese.

Consequently, there is a growing role to play by financiers: by acting as a bridge between these different stakeholders in helping to shape projects from early-stage development to execution while structuring financing solutions that can attract long-term capital.

Increasing momentum among mining companies to adopt technologies that improve efficiency, optimise energy use and align with sustainability goals has been noted, and Opese adds that this mindset shift is “particularly encouraging”.

Across the mining sector, these technologies are no longer regarded as environmental commitments, but increasingly as business investments that can drive productivity, reduce costs and strengthen competitiveness over time.

“Highlighting this shift in perspective, I recently engaged with a client importing electric vehicles for their mining and logistics operations,” says Opese.

Going forward, Africa has a “great opportunity” to move beyond simply exporting raw materials and instead build factories and industries that create jobs, develop new skills and add more value to local economies.

Investment in infrastructure and communication networks, industrial areas, logistics centres and water systems are needed, as they “are essential for supporting factories that process materials and add value locally,” elaborates Opese.

In the DRC, progress towards this goal can already be seen, especially regarding the development of projects aimed at establishing a local battery industry and helping the country become an important part of the global energy shift.

Here, financial institutions such as Standard Bank, play a key role in this change by helping identify promising projects, supporting their development to attract investment, and securing the necessary funding to facilitate their implementation, adds Opese.

“The challenges are interconnected, and so must be the responses.”

There is an increasing demand for mining- related investments that not only support mining activity but also strengthen energy access, improve infrastructure and contribute to sustainability objectives.

“Balancing these priorities is complex, but it also creates space for innovation in how projects are structured and financed.”

Opese states that African banks are well positioned to play a central role in this evolution, acting as long-term partners that understand local realities and global expectations.

“By bridging these perspectives, they can help unlock projects that deliver real economic impact while supporting the energy transition in a practical and sustainable way,” concludes Opese.