Remy Kamana Kankola has spent nearly four decades working across public administration, social security governance, finance, and economic development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He began his career at the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), where he rose through the ranks to serve as both Director and Technical Adviser, gaining extensive experience in institutional management and policy implementation.
His professional journey reflects a deep engagement with the opportunities and challenges of one of Africa’s most resource-rich nations. Today, as Director General of Kasai Corporation United SARL, Kankola is advancing a vision that links mineral wealth to inclusive economic growth, job creation, and sustainable community development.
In this interview, he shares insights on leadership, the future of the DRC’s mining sector, the global race for critical minerals, and the importance of strategic international partnerships in unlocking the country’s vast economic potential.
Excerpt
Could you describe the beginning of your professional career and the experiences that most shaped the leader you are today?
Thirty-nine years ago, I began my career at the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), where I was first employed in the Human Resources department. I later moved to the Housing and Collections department and subsequently to the Accounting unit within the General Directorate.
My academic background in accounting, economics, and management, which I pursued at the Higher Institute of Commerce and later at CIDEP, provided a strong theoretical foundation. However, it was my professional experience that truly strengthened and refined this knowledge, particularly in accounting, finance, and general administration.
How did your progression through various positions at the CNSS prepare you for senior executive responsibilities?
After my early assignments, I was transferred to the Training Directorate, where I was responsible for retraining agents within the technical services of social security. This experience led to my appointment at the newly created Kinshasa-South Urban Directorate in 2000.
Two years later, I moved to the Kinshasa-West Urban Directorate before being reassigned to the Collection Directorate at the General Directorate level. There, I served for nearly 15 years as Chief Inspector in charge of large corporations, working closely with inspectors from the Ministry of Portfolio.
I later concluded my career at CNSS as a Technical Adviser to the General Directorate, with the rank of Director.
What motivated your transition from the public sector to leadership in the private sector at Kasai Corporation SARL?
During the liberalization of the mining sector, I was deeply concerned by widespread irregularities within mining operations. I also observed the significant disparity between corporate leadership and workers, many of whom lived in poverty despite the wealth generated by the sector.
After retiring in 2023, I chose to engage in mining research and development with the aim of contributing to a more equitable and responsible resource governance model in my country.
What are the core business sectors and services of Kasai Corporation SARL, and what problem is the company intended to solve?
Kasai Corporation was established in response to persistent inequalities in the mining sector, which, if unaddressed, risk creating long-term social instability despite the country’s vast natural wealth.
Our core activities include mining research and exploration. In addition, we have integrated agricultural development into our operations to diversify opportunities, create employment, and reduce socio-economic pressures in mining regions.
At this stage of your career, what brings you the greatest professional satisfaction and motivation?
At this stage of my career, my greatest satisfaction comes not from personal achievement, but from contributing to meaningful, people-centred development for the Congolese population.
My motivation is guided by a belief in a more inclusive development model that connects natural resources, people, and communities. For too long, resource extraction in our region has prioritized commodities over human development.
I am committed to a model that ensures:
- Individual and community prosperity, where workers benefit fairly from the value they help create and have access to stable livelihoods
- Sustainable resource development, where mining activities are balanced with agriculture, environmental responsibility, and investment in education and healthcare
For me, true success lies in transforming resource wealth into long-term social progress and reducing structural inequalities.
What are your long-term ambitions for Kasai Corporation, and how do you evaluate its growth potential?
Kasai Corporation has strong long-term potential, but like many emerging enterprises, it faces challenges in accessing early-stage financing for feasibility, market, and technical studies.
To address this, we are exploring international project preparation support mechanisms, including grant-based funding opportunities that can help structure our projects into bankable investments. This approach will allow us to unlock the full value of our resources and accelerate sustainable growth.
How do you perceive the global debate on critical minerals, and what role do you foresee for the Democratic Republic of Congo?
The global conversation on critical minerals has evolved into a strategic competition centered on energy transition, technology, and supply chain security.
Countries and institutions are increasingly focusing on securing reliable access to minerals such as cobalt and copper, which are essential for clean energy systems and advanced technologies.
The Democratic Republic of Congo holds a central position in this global value chain due to its significant mineral reserves. However, its long-term role must go beyond raw material exports.
The priority should be the development of local processing and refining capacity, which would enable value addition, create skilled employment, and strengthen national economic resilience. This shift is essential for ensuring that mineral wealth translates into sustainable development outcomes.
What types of partnerships is Kasai Corporation actively seeking, and what do you value most in a strategic partner?
We are seeking partnerships that combine technical expertise, project development support, and access to structured financing.
In particular, we are interested in collaboration with institutions that support project preparation and feasibility studies, helping to transform early-stage initiatives into investment-ready projects.
What we value most in a strategic partner is alignment of vision, transparency, and a commitment to long-term value creation that benefits both investors and local communities.
How would you describe the current business and investment climate in the DRC, and what changes would you like to see?
The investment climate in the Democratic Republic of Congo is highly promising, particularly given global demand for critical minerals. However, structural challenges remain, especially in project preparation and regulatory efficiency.
Many local enterprises struggle to meet the technical and financial requirements needed to attract international investment.
Improvements in feasibility funding, regulatory transparency, financial systems, and institutional coordination would significantly enhance investor confidence. Strengthening these areas would help unlock capital inflows and support more sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
