Eurasian Resources Group in Africa, a major player in the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through its exploitation of the copper and cobalt sectors via its four main subsidiaries – Metalkol SA, COMIDE SARL, Boss Mining SAS, and Frontier SA – organised a multi-sectoral workshop to promote local entrepreneurship.
This event attracted significant participation from local entrepreneurs and key players across various economic sectors, with active participation from Her Excellency, Mrs Fifi Masuka Saini, Governor of Lualaba Province. The diversity of represented sectors facilitated fruitful exchanges on the challenges and opportunities for regional socio-economic development.
In her opening speech, Her Excellency, Governor of Lualaba, stated, “I thank and congratulate the organisers of this entrepreneurship workshop in Kolwezi, especially the CEO of ERG Africa, as this is an indication of awareness regarding the collective benefits of entrepreneurship in a mining region like ours. Entrepreneurship is the driving force behind growth and the promotion of the local economic fabric, constituting a tangible indicator of development for any country.”
The interactive workshop alternated between inspiring speeches, sharing of experiences, and panel discussions. ERG Africa highlighted its role in fostering synergies among various stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Nicolas Treand, CEO of ERG Africa, stated: “Our vision is to support entrepreneurship by creating a conducive environment. We operate within an ecosystem and are committed to supporting provincial government initiatives for sustainable and inclusive development.” He also shared his experience by encouraging entrepreneurs to create synergies to promote promising projects, emphasising ERG Africa’s commitment to enhancing entrepreneurial capacities, particularly through initiatives aimed at optimising procurement processes and encouraging greater diversity within the value chain.
Emphasising the importance of these exchanges, Mr. Germain Pungwe, President of the Fédération des Entreprises du Congo (FEC) Lualaba, affirmed: “I wish to encourage the organisation of these exchanges, from which I believe will emerge suitable and practical solutions and avenues to further promote entrepreneurship and job creation in the province. While reiterating our thanks to ERG Africa, I wish these endeavours every success and assure you of FEC Lualaba’s unwavering commitment to collaborate with all entrepreneurs in Lualaba.”
In her remarks to the entrepreneurs present, Her Excellency, Governor of Lualaba added: “To entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship is not just for large companies; it can also be pursued by micro-enterprises. You must demonstrate creativity, ambition, determination, rigor, and humility. Training and skill acquisition are essential to excel in this field.”
The presence of organisations such as FEC, the Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP), as well as leading banks with informative booths on services and financing, enriched the discussions on strengthening entrepreneurial skills and exploring solutions for accessing financing.
Through this initiative aimed at sustainability, ERG Africa reaffirms its commitment to the economic and social development of the DRC, focusing on youth and local entrepreneurship as drivers of sustainable transformation and prosperity.
