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Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds Invest in DRC Critical Minerals
Gulf sovereign wealth funds from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have committed capital to mining projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The investments occur alongside U.S. and Chinese efforts to secure supplies of copper, cobalt, and other minerals used in AI, batteries, and defense equipment.
May 18, 11:18 AM·1m read1 source
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Gulf sovereign wealth funds are directing capital toward critical minerals projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo as the United States and China compete for supply chain control. The funds seek commercial returns while preserving flexibility in a market shaped by Chinese mining dominance and new U.S. procurement initiatives.
The United States has expanded its engagement through the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement and Project Vault. Washington has also supported a February 2026 Critical Minerals Ministerial attended by fifty-four countries and a memorandum of understanding between Glencore and the Orion Critical Minerals Consortium.
The U.S. Development Finance Corporation disclosed joint venture talks to secure 100,000 tons of Congolese copper for U.S. buyers and 50,000 tons for Gulf partners.
The United Arab Emirates has aligned most closely with U.S. structures. Abu Dhabi's ADQ joined the U.S. Development Finance Corporation as a founding partner of the Orion Critical Minerals Consortium. In July 2023 the UAE signed a $1.9 billion agreement with Sakima to develop four mines, followed by a $1.1 billion investment in Zambia's Mopani Copper Mines.
In January 2026 the Development Finance Corporation co-invested with Abu Dhabi's International Holding Company, and AD Ports agreed in February to build a terminal in Matadi.
Qatar also participates in Pax Silica while using its mediation role between the DRC and Rwanda to seek access to reserves. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has committed $15 billion to mining and metals globally by 2030 through Manara Minerals.
The fund has deployed $2.5 billion for a 10 percent stake in Vale Base Metals and signed memoranda with the DRC, Egypt, and Morocco. Saudi Arabia has stayed outside Pax Silica and favors minority equity positions to retain negotiating flexibility. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has sought Gulf and U.S. capital to reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled production, which accounts for about 80 percent of copper and cobalt output in the country.
