Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, held separate talks with officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Saudi Arabia and the World Bank to expand mining cooperation and investment.

With DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum, Badawi discussed new partnerships across mining, infrastructure, energy and engineering, with a focus on processing minerals and building higher-value supply chains.

Watum expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with Egypt and drawing on Egyptian companies’ mining-related expertise. Badawi said governments, private companies and financial institutions must work together to develop projects beyond raw mineral extraction.

Badawi also met Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Mining Affairs Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer to discuss training and knowledge exchange. Al-Mudaifer praised Egypt’s recent mining reforms and its move to conduct aerial mineral surveys, while highlighting growing Saudi company interest in Egypt.

The minister separately discussed financing and skills development with Namrata Thapar, Global Director of the World Bank Group’s Metals and Mining sector. Badawi outlined three areas for cooperation, including workforce development, value-added phosphate and fertilizer projects, and financing for mining startups during exploration.