Zambia border closure imperils Congo’s copper exports

Significance Almost all DRC’s copper and cobalt exports, representing some 40% of GDP, are shipped via Zambia and the border closure therefore represented a major escalation of a minor crisis. Although Zambia quickly reopened the border, its readiness to use such tactics suggests further disruptions are also a risk. Impacts The wider Southern African Development Community (SADC) will also face persistent problems in implementing free trade among its members. Disputes between the DRC and its other eastern neighbours will likely further encourage Kinshasa to seek a swift settlement with Lusaka. For now, there are no other viable export routes for copper and cobalt from DRC except through Zambia.