Didier Budimbu

DRC
Félix Tshisekedi gives the World Cup final a miss

The Congolese president, who spared no expense in supporting the Leopards at this year's World Cup, was supposed to attend the final match held in New Jersey on 19 July between Argentina and Spain. In the end, he had to cancel his trip.

Palace Intrigues
Félix Tshisekedi, Emmanuel Macron, Denis Sassou-Nguesso

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

DRCTshisekedi to watch Houston World Cup match from luxury box

Africa Forward summitFally Ipupa, Youssou N'Dour and other stars to perform for Emmanuel Macron

CongoSassou-Nguesso meets Yamina Benguigui amid tit-for-tat between Brazzaville and Paris

DRC
Kinshasa spares no expense to back players in 2026 World Cup

Having already lavishly rewarded its national team for qualifying for the World Cup, the Congolese authorities now want to build on that success by mobilising substantial financial resources.

DRC
Kinshasa turns to Trafigura for help with strategy to reboot oil sector

In a bid to enhance the value of its oil assets and reduce pump prices for consumers, DR Congo has turned to Swiss trading giant Trafigura for help.

DRC
Perenco hit with two state-mandated audits

The Congolese hydrocarbon ministry has commissioned two companies to carry out detailed audits of Franco-British energy company Perenco's oil business in the country. These reports should shed light on the firm's actual oil production, as well as its environmental impact.

Spotlight | DRC
Intel agency probes authenticity of data on Dan Gertler's former oil block

The DRC's national intelligence agency is investigating whether information relating to assets I and II in the Albertine Graben area, once owned by the Israeli billionaire, have been manipulated.

Angola, DRC
Kinshasa's strategy to get Common Interest Zone up and running

Determined to assert its rights over its offshore oil resources, the Congolese government is progressing on the development of the Common Interest Zone with Angola under the lead of hydrocarbons minister Sakombi Molendo.

DRC
Turkey's Milvest faces first setback in Kinshasa

DRC's Sport Minister, Didier Budimbu, has halted the construction of a five-star hotel, whose location encroaches on the grounds of the Stade des Martyrs.

Spotlight | DRC
The story behind the attempt to unsettle Inspectorate General of Finances boss Jules Alingete

At odds with key figures from Félix Tshisekedi's first term, the head of the IGF has for several weeks been the target of a smear campaign designed to substantiate allegations of his having acted in league with the interests of the Rawji Group.

DRC
Kinshasa hopes to host France's 2025 Champions Trophy

The Congolese government had hoped to host French football's Champions Trophy this year, but is now banking on the 2025 event. President Tshisekedi, a huge fan of the sport, is also eyeing the next CAN.

DRC
Oil blocks: deal struck with study bankroller under threat

Congolese Oil Minister Didier Budimbu has accused Emirati firm ClayHall Group of not paying the full sums agreed to pre-finance an assessment study of the DRC's sedimentary basins.

DRC
Sonahydroc concerned about Oil Minister Didier Budimbu's support for rival Cobil

The Congolese state-owned oil firm Sonahydroc's fears that its rival Cobil has the favours of the oil ministry keep growing.

DRC
UBA extends new $65m credit line to Sonahydroc

United Bank for Africa has renewed its financing for the DRC state-owned oil company, but halved the amount it is providing. The funds could be used to purchase petroleum products from Angola's Sonangol.

Angola, DRC
DRC takes small steps to claw back offshore oil resources from Angola

The Congolese government is choosing to compromise with Luanda by signing agreements of limited scope rather than going to court to assert its rights to its offshore oil resources.

DRC
Perenco withdraws from onshore block tender

The Anglo-French oil company has told the Kinshasa government that it is withdrawing from a call for tenders to explore two onshore blocks in Kongo-Central, having found them to have "insufficient" potential.

DRC
Sonahydroc fears competition for Ango-Ango pipelines concession contract

The concession contract for the Ango-Ango pipelines, a key infrastructure for the supply of petroleum products to west DRC, ends in 2025 and is already sparking interest from several actors.