Policy Rollout Meets Bureaucratic Gridlock
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), companies are still waiting for export permits under the government’s new cobalt quota regime, which officially took effect on October 16, 2025. The system was designed to improve oversight and capture greater value from the country’s dominant cobalt industry, yet as of late October, most permits remain stuck in administrative review, delaying shipments and creating uncertainty across global battery supply chains.
Economic Stakes and Global Ripples
The DRC accounts for more than 70% of the world’s cobalt output, making its regulatory shifts immediately felt in the electric-vehicle and energy-storage industries. With several operators unable to move material through ports, market analysts warn of supply tightening that could influence spot prices and pressure downstream producers in Asia and Europe. Local exporters, meanwhile, report mounting warehouse inventories and cash-flow strains as they await official clearance to resume trade.
Balancing Control and Competitiveness
While Kinshasa’s quota policy aims to increase transparency, formalize small-scale operations, and maximize state revenues, the slow rollout exposes the tension between resource nationalism and export efficiency. Industry groups have urged the Ministry of Mines to fast-track approvals and establish predictable procedures to avoid damaging investor confidence. The coming weeks will reveal whether the DRC can align its governance ambitions with the logistical realities of a globally critical supply chain.