Congo and Zambia

Zambia's commerce minister, Chipoka Mulenga, traveled to Congo to engage in discussions aimed at resolving a trade dispute that led to Zambia's closure of its border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This closure was a response to the DRC's ban on importing soft drinks and beer from Zambia, which sparked protests by Congolese transporters at the border. Both countries rely heavily on this border for the export of crucial minerals like copper and cobalt, with Zambia serving as a key transit route for Congolese exports. The DRC's government stated that it had not received any formal complaint from Zambia regarding the border closure and defended its ban as a measure to protect local industries. Ongoing talks began via videoconference, with an in-person meeting scheduled in Lubumbashi to find a lasting solution to the issue. The DRC emphasized that existing trade agreements prohibit retaliatory measures, implying a preference for diplomatic resolution.