The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda have introduced a Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) to promote economic cooperation and stability in the Great Lakes region. The United States has expressed support for this initiative, emphasizing its commitment to partner with both countries as they pursue regional development.
The REIF is designed to coordinate joint efforts in several sectors, including energy, mineral supply chains, infrastructure, national park management and tourism, and public health and safety. According to the framework, both countries aim to formalize mineral supply chains, improve cross-border infrastructure, enhance conservation efforts, and strengthen public health systems.
The initiative outlines specific focus areas:
- Energy: The REIF seeks to expand electricity access by utilizing the region’s energy resources. This is intended to support communities in eastern DRC and drive economic growth.
- Mineral Supply Chains: The framework aims to make the mineral sector more transparent by formalizing artisanal mining and improving traceability. Efforts will also target eliminating corruption and smuggling while establishing secure global critical minerals supply chains.
- Infrastructure: Plans include upgrading transportation networks such as roads and ports, as well as expanding internet access. These measures are expected to attract investment and link local businesses with international trade routes.
- National Park Management and Tourism: The REIF supports joint actions to protect national parks, strengthen security, safeguard wildlife, and develop sustainable tourism opportunities that benefit local communities.
- Public Health and Safety: The framework emphasizes strengthening cross-border coordination on disease prevention, healthcare improvements, emergency response capabilities, and scientific research.
The approach relies on local ownership. "The REIF is led by the DRC and Rwanda, with local communities, provincial authorities, entrepreneurs, and civil society playing a central role in shaping projects, monitoring progress, and driving implementation," according to the framework document.
Coordination mechanisms include annual summits and technical working groups that oversee progress across key sectors. International partners like the United States plan to offer technical expertise, investment support, and capacity-building assistance.
Looking ahead, preparations are underway for an inaugural REIF Summit where priorities will be set for upcoming projects in mining, infrastructure development, park management, and public health. Both governments intend to collaborate with international partners—including the United States—to scale investments aimed at job creation and long-term regional stability.
"The United States government intends to facilitate support for the DRC and Rwanda in achieving the vision set out in the REIF using a wide array of interagency tools," states the document. The U.S., together with other stakeholders from both countries’ private sectors as well as additional partners, plans to advance initiatives that underpin lasting peace and prosperity.
