Three intense days, rich in exchanges and prospects. From October 29 to 31, 2025, a delegation from Expobéton DRC and the Club BTP–CMA visited Cape Town, South Africa, for a mission marked by the presentation of an international Award, a prestigious gala dinner at the One&Only, and several strategic sessions with the VUKA Group in preparation for the upcoming editions of Expobéton in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
An Award for Excellence: Expobéton DRC Recognized Internationally
The “Baobab Holding” and “Connecting the World” initiative, led by Dewhard Mupenda, honored Expobéton DRC for its continuous efforts to promote best practices in urbanization and industrialization within the Congolese construction sector.
This international recognition reinforces Expobéton’s mission as a catalyst for urban and industrial transformation in the DRC.
A Gala Dinner Celebrating DRC–South Africa Partnerships
During the gala dinner held on October 31 at the prestigious One&Only Hotel, Hon. Jean Bamanisa praised the quality of the economic ties between the DRC and South Africa.
He reflected on his journey in the construction sector, from his first visit to Cape Town in 1988 to explore prefab housing technologies, to his involvement in 2012 with PPC’s cement investment in Kongo Central.
“Expobéton embodies the ambition of building new urbanized cities in mining, industrial, and metropolitan zones such as Kinshasa. South African expertise is a key asset in achieving this vision.”
Hon. Jean Bamanisa
He also emphasized the Congolese government’s commitment to simplifying taxation and improving the business climate, while announcing the upcoming creation of the Expobéton International Business Connexion – BTP (IBC), a platform designed to strengthen business links between construction and industrial stakeholders across Africa.
Building Local Skills Through Training and Certification
Mimile Maisha Mukuna, Provincial Executive Secretary for Katanga of the Club BTP–CMA and President of the Institute of Risk Management (iRMA), highlighted the importance of training and certifying Congolese workers.
He announced the arrival in DRC of DGC-Africa, led by Mr. Dickinson, a partner organization specializing in professional training aligned with international standards.
This initiative is part of a collective effort supported by KAMOA, EGMF, AGORA, INPP, and other members of the Club BTP–CMA, all committed to accrediting training centers and certifying craftsmen and technicians in the construction industry.
Looking Ahead to 2026 with VUKA Group
The Congolese delegation also held a strategic working session with David Ashdown (CEO, VUKA Group), Errol (Deputy CEO), and Papy Luzala (Country Representative).
Discussions focused on planning the next Expobéton editions, scheduled for Lubumbashi (April 2026) and Kinshasa (October 2026), and on deploying the Business Connexion Lounge to facilitate qualified business meetings and international exhibition pavilions.
A Vision Turned Toward the Future
Blending recognition, economic diplomacy, and strategic partnerships, this mission to Cape Town highlights Expobéton’s growing role as a pan-African platform for innovation, training, and investment in construction.
A clear path has been drawn one where the DRC builds its future on international standards, bringing together public and private stakeholders united by a common ambition:
to make the Congolese construction industry a driver of sustainable development and a source of national pride.
