Goma/Kigali, August 2, 2025 — In a landmark development for the Great Lakes region, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda today initialed the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) Tenets, marking a major step forward in regional cooperation and economic development.
The REIF agreement establishes a blueprint for unlocking the vast economic potential of the Great Lakes region, with a focus on cross-border trade, infrastructure connectivity, joint investment initiatives, and sustainable development.
Officials from both nations hailed the move as a tangible outcome of the ongoing implementation of the regional Peace Agreement, which has aimed to ease tensions and build trust in one of Africa’s most conflict-prone areas.
“This is more than an economic pact—it is a commitment to a shared future of peace, prosperity, and mutual growth,” said a senior official at the signing ceremony. “The framework lays the foundation for lasting stability by ensuring that economic development reaches people on both sides of the border.”
The REIF Tenets prioritize key sectors such as agriculture, energy, transportation, and digital trade, while encouraging inclusive growth and private sector participation. Analysts say the framework could significantly boost trade volumes, create jobs, and reduce regional inequality if implemented effectively.
The international community, including the African Union and several development partners, welcomed the agreement as a promising sign of renewed collaboration between the DRC and Rwanda—two neighbors with a complex history but a shared interest in regional progress.
The next phase will involve technical teams from both countries working to operationalize the framework and align national development strategies for implementation.
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