Buenassa Participates in High-Level Economic Mission to Abu Dhabi Led by DRC’s Vice Prime Minister

Abu Dhabi, UAE – July 10^th, 2025

Buenassa was honoured to join a two-day strategic economic mission to Abu Dhabi from July 7–8, 2025, at the invitation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government. The delegation, led by His Excellency Daniel Mukoko Samba, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, aimed to strengthen bilateral economic ties and showcase investment opportunities in the DRC’s key sectors.

As one of the Congolese private sector representatives selected for the mission, Buenassa—alongside energy company KIPAY Energy—highlighted high-potential national projects aligned with the DRC’s industrial policy.

During the visit, Buenassa held strategic discussions with NG9 Holding, an Emirati investment conglomerate with a growing focus on Africa’s industrial and infrastructure development, backed by UAE public financial institutions. These talks resulted in the signing of a confidentiality agreement, laying the groundwork for a future Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Encouraged by both governments, this potential partnership aims to diversify and advance copper and cobalt supply chains—critical minerals for the global energy transition.

Central to this collaboration is Buenassa’s phased development of a copper and cobalt refinery complex in the DRC, whose first plant has a projected annual output of 120,000 tonnes of copper cathode and 30,000 tonnes of cobalt sulphate, with provision for cobalt metal currently under study. The facility will support the country’s ambition to become a regional hub for ethically sourced, locally processed critical minerals.

By supporting Buenassa’s refinery, NG9 Holding reinforces its interest in partnership for global supply chain resilience, regional industrialisation, and climate transition goals.

Eddy Kioni, CEO and Founder of Buenassa, remarked:

"We are deeply honoured by the Vice Prime Minister’s endorsement of Buenassa as a flagship initiative for foreign investment. This strong government support validates our mission to build a vertically integrated critical minerals industry in the DRC.”

Government backing remains essential to the project’s success, particularly in securing permits, energy access, feedstock supply, infrastructure, and all relevant investment incentives—key factors in achieving the DRC’s local beneficiation and value addition objectives.

Vice Prime Minister Mukoko Samba emphasised the mission’s broader significance:

“Buenassa embodies the future of the Congolese economy—rooted in advanced processing, industrial sovereignty, and shared prosperity. This mission marks the beginning of enhanced investment and business collaboration between Emirati and Congolese partners, with full government support.”

The DRC Embassy in Abu Dhabi, under Ambassador Marie Ndjeka Opombo, played a pivotal role in facilitating high-level engagements. Buenassa also extends gratitude to the UAE Embassy in Kinshasa for its dedication to strengthening bilateral relations.

About Buenassa S.A.R.L.

Buenassa is a Congolese company focused on driving responsible growth across the critical minerals supply chain. Through strategic initiatives in refining, traceability, and market innovation, Buenassa is enabling a new model of local beneficiation that supports sovereign development and global sustainability goals.

For more details, visit our website or contact our team:

Media contact: media@buenassa.com