program
DRC Energy & Mining Investment Forum 2026 Program
The DRC Energy & Mining Investment Forum 2026 offers a comprehensive three-day program designed to showcase investment opportunities in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s energy and mining sectors. The program combines high-level plenary sessions, specialized panel discussions, technical presentations, business-to-government (B2G) meetings, and networking events to create a dynamic platform for meaningful engagement between DRC government institutions and international investors.
venue
Holiday Inn Houston Intercontinental Airport
15222 JFK Blvd, Houston, TX, March 10-12, 2026
Program Structure
Day 1: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - Critical Minerals & Mining Sector
Morning Sessions
| Time | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Registration & Welcome Coffee | Registration desk opens for badge collection and welcome package |
| 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Opening Ceremony | Official welcome by DRC and US government representatives |
| 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Keynote Address | "DRC's Vision for Resource Development in the Global Energy Transition" by the DRC Prime Minister |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Coffee Break & Networking | Opportunity to connect with fellow attendees |
| 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Plenary Session | "Critical Minerals and the Global Energy Transition: DRC's Strategic Role" |
Afternoon Sessions
| Time | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Networking Lunch | Buffet lunch with themed tables for focused discussions |
| 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Panel Discussion | "Mining Sector Investment Opportunities in the DRC" |
| 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Coffee Break & Networking | Exhibition area open for exploration |
| 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Breakout Sessions | Three parallel sessions on Cobalt, Copper, and Lithium value chains |
| 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Welcome Reception | Networking reception and official opening of the exhibition area |
Special Features - Day 1
- Official Launch of the BRIDGE to DRC Act implementation
- Exhibition Opening with interactive displays of DRC resources
- Projects Room showcasing specific investment opportunities
- EXIM Bank Presentation on financing opportunities for American equipment acquisition
Day 2: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 - Energy & Infrastructure
Morning Sessions
| Time | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM | Morning Coffee | Networking opportunity before sessions begin |
| 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Plenary Session | "Hydroelectric Potential & Energy Infrastructure Development in the DRC" |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Coffee Break & Networking | Exhibition area open for exploration |
| 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Panel Discussion | "Grand Inga Project & Regional Power Export Opportunities" |
Afternoon Sessions
| Time | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Networking Lunch | Buffet lunch with themed tables for focused discussions |
| 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Breakout Sessions | Two parallel sessions on "Grid Infrastructure Development" and "Rural Electrification Solutions" |
| 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Coffee Break & Networking | Exhibition area open for exploration |
| 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Technical Presentations | "Hydrocarbon Sector Development Strategy" |
| 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Gala Dinner | Formal dinner with keynote speaker and cultural performance |
Special Features - Day 2
- Virtual Tour of major hydroelectric sites and oil blocks
- Technical Workshops on energy infrastructure development
- B2G Meeting Program with energy sector officials
- Equipment Demonstrations by technology providers
- Hydrocarbons RDC special session on oil and gas opportunities
Day 3: Thursday, February 12, 2026 - Green Economy & Innovation
Morning Sessions
| Time | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM | Morning Coffee | Networking opportunity before sessions begin |
| 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Plenary Session | "Carbon Finance & Green Economy Opportunities in the DRC" |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Coffee Break & Networking | Exhibition area open for exploration |
| 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Panel Discussion | "REDD+ Projects & Carbon Credit Markets" |
Afternoon Sessions
| Time | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Networking Lunch | Buffet lunch with themed tables for focused discussions |
| 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Innovation Showcase | "CongoSat & BAMEX: Innovative Approaches to Resource Management" |
| 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Closing Panel | "Next Steps & Partnership Announcements" |
| 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Closing Ceremony | Summary of outcomes and final remarks |
Special Features - Day 3
- Carbon Project Showcase featuring REDD+ initiatives in the Congo Basin
- Innovation Presentations on resource management technologies
- Partnership Signing Ceremony for key projects
- Final B2G Meetings and follow-up discussions
Specialized Tracks
Throughout the three days, attendees can participate in specialized tracks focused on specific areas of interest:
Investment Track
Sessions focused on investment opportunities, financing mechanisms, and risk mitigation strategies:
- Investment Climate and Regulatory Framework in the DRC
- Financing Models for Resource Development Projects
- Risk Management and Insurance Solutions
- EXIM Bank Financing Programs for Equipment Acquisition
Technical Track
Detailed technical presentations on resource potential, extraction technologies, and infrastructure requirements:
- Geological Assessment of DRC's Mineral Resources
- Advanced Extraction Technologies for Critical Minerals
- Hydroelectric Engineering and Development
- Oil and Gas Exploration Technologies
Sustainability Track
Sessions addressing environmental, social, and governance aspects of resource development:
- ESG Standards in Mining and Energy Projects
- Community Engagement and Local Development
- Carbon Finance and Climate Change Mitigation
- Responsible Supply Chain Management
Business-to-Government (B2G) Meetings
A key feature of the forum is the structured B2G meeting program that allows investors to meet directly with DRC government officials and decision-makers:
- Pre-scheduled 30-minute meetings based on investor preferences
- Dedicated meeting rooms with translation services available
- Dedicated meeting rooms with translation services available
- Follow-up mechanism to ensure continuity after the forum
Projects Room
A dedicated “Projects Room” will feature detailed presentations of specific investment opportunities:
- A dedicated "Projects Room" will feature detailed presentations of specific investment opportunities:
- Oil and gas blocks open for exploration
- Hydroelectric sites at various development stages
- Carbon credit projects seeking investment
- Infrastructure projects requiring financing
Exhibition Area
The forum includes a comprehensive exhibition area showcasing:
- DRC government institutions and their specific projects
- Interactive displays of mineral resources and energy potential
- Technology providers demonstrating relevant solutions
- Service providers supporting investment in the DRC
- NGOs and development partners active in relevant sectors
Networking Opportunities
The program includes multiple structured networking opportunities:
- Welcome Reception (Day 1)
- Themed Lunch Tables (All Days)
- Coffee Break Networking Zones (All Days)
- Gala Dinner (Day 2)
- Sector-Specific Networking Sessions (All Days)
Registration Information
Registration Includes
- Access to all forum sessions and the exhibition area
- Participation in networking events and coffee breaks
- Lunch on all three days and the Gala Dinner
- Forum materials and presentations
- Opportunity to request B2G meetings (subject to availability)
Contact Information
For more information about the program or to discuss speaking opportunities:
- program@drc-invest-forum-2025.com
- +1 281 547 5396
- www.drc-invest-forum-2025.com