Washington, D.C. – The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) today announced two Letters of Interest (LOIs) which will deepen strategic U.S. partnerships with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda to advance economic growth, strengthen supply chain resilience, and bolster mutual security and prosperity.
The first LOI is focused on a proposed DFC equity investment in a joint venture between Gécamines SA, the DRC’s state-owned mining enterprise, and Mercuria Energy Trading, a leading global commodities group. The partnership would enhance the commercialization of copper, cobalt, and other critical minerals to help secure U.S. critical mineral supply chains. It would also improve transparency, competitiveness, and local value capture, while supporting the access of U.S. and allied nations to responsibly sourced materials essential to economic and national security.
The second LOI, with Mota Engil Engenharia e Construção África S.A., provides support for the rehabilitation, operation, and transfer of the Dilolo–Sakania railway line in the DRC. The project, which may seek up to $1 billion in DFC financing following full review, would connect to the Lobito Atlantic Railway in Angola, forming a strategic regional corridor that expands trade, attracts private-sector investment, and strengthens the movement of critical goods and passengers across Central and Southern Africa.
“These investments are prime examples of President Trump’s unprecedented commitment to advancing peace. These projects will help to secure vital supply chains, expand private-sector opportunity, and strengthen America’s global competitiveness while supporting peace, prosperity, and dignity in Central Africa,” said Ben Black, CEO. “By working with partners that share our values of transparency, accountability, and fair competition, we are helping to build a peaceful, prosperous future for the United States and our allies across Africa.”
The announcements were made following the historic Washington Accords signing ceremony presided by President Donald J. Trump to reaffirm the peace agreement and declaration of principles negotiated by President Trump and signed by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to lay the foundation for stability and increased regional cooperation.
These proposed projects reflect the Administration’s goal of diversifying and strengthening global supply chains for critical materials and supporting economic growth. By promoting transparent sourcing and competitive markets, DFC helps reduce dependence on concentrated or unreliable supply channels, enabling U.S. industries to access more stable, secure inputs vital to America’s economic growth and national security.
DFC’s engagement underscores the U.S. government’s strategic approach to mobilizing private investment in support of U.S. foreign policy; making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while delivering returns to the U.S. taxpayer.
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The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), established in 2019 with bipartisan support under President Trump, is the international investment arm of the U.S. Government. DFC partners with the private sector to advance U.S. foreign policy and strengthen national security by mobilizing private capital around the world. DFC invests across strategic sectors including critical minerals, modern infrastructure, and advanced technology — fostering economic development, supporting U.S. interests, and delivering returns to American taxpayers.