The Great Lakes region of Africa's rich natural resources, particularly minerals, should be a boon for its people, governments, and companies alike. However, minerals exploitation by private actors and armed groups over the past several decades have made the region's minerals wealth more of a curse than a blessing for its people, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The business investment climate has left much to be desired, with Congo's high corruption rates and relatively poor infrastructure. However, these challenges may be abating. Following a number of military and political moves toward a more peaceful Democratic Republic of Congo, new business and investment opportunities have started to emerge.
Market regulations instituted by the 2010 Dodd Frank Act have helped reduced armed groups' involvement in the minerals sector and created a two-tier market for tin, tantalum, and tungsten, helping to incentivize clean-sourcing practices. Additionally, the surrender of the M23 in November 2013 decreased violence in some areas, although the FDLR rebels and other independent militias are still active. Along with these positive developments, state and regional actors are beginning to advance reforms in the minerals sector, including programs spearheaded by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). These reforms and sourcing initiatives like Solutions for Hope closed-pipe mine projects present opportunities for conflict-free sourcing from eastern Congo for investors and companies. Mike Loch of the company Motorola Solutions, which is helping build these initiatives, says of new mining projects in Congo, "If it's not credible and it's not reliable, it's not sustainable," ...
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