Global Connections (OCR GCSE Geography)

• The DRC has trade agreements with over 50 countries
• The main trading partners of the DRC are:
  • China - almost 60% of exports from the DRC are to China
  • India
  • Belgium 
  • Italy
  • France
  • Australia
• The DRC belongs to a number of trade organisations including the World Trade Organisation (WTO)
• Mining exports are crucial for DRC's exports making up 30% of the GDP
• The dependence on mineral exports means the DRC is vulnerable to rapid changes in price
• Many years of corruption, war, and political instability have had a negative impact on development
  • The DRC has one of the lowest HDI ratings in the world

• There are a number of transnational corporations (TNCs) operating in the DRC
• These include:
  • Mining companies such as Banro (Canada), Glencore (Swiss company) and Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (UK)
  • Telecommunications companies such as Vodacom, Orange DRC and Africell 

Banro

• A gold mining company
• Owns over 7500km² mining prospects in the DRC
• Operates two gold mines in South Kivu and Maniema provinces

Advantages and Disadvantages of Banro Mining Company in DRC

Orange RDC

• A French telecommunication's company 
• It is the largest telecommunications operator in the DRC

Advantages and Disadvantages of Orange DRC 

• The DRC receives aid from a variety of sources
  • The aid is usually given from ACs to LIDCs 
  • The EU allocated €80 million in funding to the DRC in 2023
  • Aid may include:
    • Food assistance
    • Shelter
    • Healthcare
    • Water 
    • Sanitation

Types of aid

Types of aid received by the DRC

• From 2003 to 2010 the DRC was part of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) - during this time the country paid 20% of its revenue in debt repayments
• Through the HIPC initiative, the DRC received debt relief which enabled them to spend money on education and healthcare
• Debt repayments are currently 5% of the country's revenue

Advantages and Disadvantages of Aid in DRC