RDC and Morocco Promote South–South Collaboration at AFCON

Rabat hosted a high-level gathering on the sidelines of AFCON 2025 in Morocco, bringing together decision-makers, investors, institutions, and young leaders from across Africa. The event aimed to strengthen South–South cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Morocco.

The gathering, held within the framework of the Leopard Business Village — Expo CAN Morocco, combined economic diplomacy, investment dialogue, and youth leadership under the message “It’s time for Africa.” The goal was to move beyond discussions and establish strategic partnerships for mutual benefit.

Cooperation Agreements and Youth Leadership

The evening began with the signing of cooperation agreements between RDC Stratégie, Moroccan stakeholders, and EPIK Leaders, a pan-African association dedicated to identifying, training, and supporting young African leaders. EPIK 100, a flagship initiative, recognizes emerging talent across the continent. This set the tone for an evening focused on long-term collaboration and served as the closing event of the Leopard Business Village. Bodom Matungulu, President of RDC Stratégie, emphasized that the event marked a starting point, with diplomacy and sport aligning efforts. He stressed the need to translate conversations into concrete action.

Soft Power, Youth, and Africa’s Future

Discussions centered on soft power and the crucial role of African youth, highlighting that Africa’s global influence will be shaped by its people, not just its resources. The DRC possesses strategic mineral reserves, agricultural potential, and a large consumer market, while Morocco offers structuring capacity, logistics expertise, and institutional experience. Participants agreed that the DRC provides resources and markets, and Morocco provides structure and execution, concluding that a cooperating Africa is one that progresses.

Tourism, Investment, and Investor Confidence

A representative from the DRC Ministry of Tourism emphasized tourism’s potential as a key economic driver, citing the country’s central location in Africa, vast territory, large population, and exceptional biodiversity. Bouthayna Iraqui, Regional President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), outlined three pillars for attracting private investment: stability and security, stable inflation and currency, and strong governance and rule of law. She noted that Morocco’s reforms have strengthened investor confidence, and highlighted AFCON and future sporting events as evidence of the country’s ability to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects.

Lessons from Morocco, Opportunities in the DRC

Former Moroccan Minister of Transport, Equipment, and Logistics Aziz Rabbah advised prioritizing contract revisions over legal changes and securing financing early in project planning. Strategic advisor Ahmed Khalid Benomar at Morocco’s Ministry of Economy and Finance emphasized the importance of people and institutions, and highlighted the DRC’s potential alongside Morocco’s investment framework. He suggested cooperation should extend beyond large corporations, stating that Africa needs smart and strategic alliances.

Celebrating Africa’s Young Leaders

The evening concluded with the EPIK 100 African Young Leaders Awards, organized in partnership with EPIK Leaders. The inaugural edition celebrated 100 young African leaders selected from numerous applicants for their commitment, leadership potential, and impact. Dozens of young participants received certificates, and 100 laureates were officially honored. Dr. Nizar Chaari, founder of EPIK Leaders, emphasized youth empowerment, stating that Africa’s wealth lies in the minds of its youth and calling on young leaders to be the engineers of change and architects of hope.