Connecting Ireland and Africa Through Commerce

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Our Mission

The African Irish Chamber of Commerce connects businesses, governments, and communities to build fair, sustainable trade between Ireland and Africa. We provide market entry support, policy advocacy, and sector expertise across agriculture, technology, tourism, energy, and professional services.

Why the DRC, Why Now?

The Democratic Republic of Congo is vast, young, and resource-rich. Like Ireland in the 1980s, it is poised for transformation. For Irish investors, this is a market of scale and growth where Irish expertise can deliver real impact.

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Opportunity in Numbers

  • Size: 33× Ireland (2.34 million km²)

  • Population: 109 million—20× Ireland, with half under age 15

  • Economy: GDP US $79 billion; annual growth 6–8%

  • Accessibility: A country crossed in days, not hours

  • Resources: Copper, cobalt, timber, fertile land, water, hydropower, fisheries

  • Stability: Western and southern provinces—Kinshasa, Katanga, Kasai, Bandundu, Équateur—are far from conflict and open for business

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Ireland and Congo share a story of youth, ambition, and resilience. Now is the moment to build lasting prosperity together.

Regional Investment Priorities

KINSHASA: Skills That Power Growth

Kinshasa's youthful population is ready for work. A FÁS-style programme will deliver practical skills in:

  • English for business

  • IT and coding basics

  • Agritech and post-harvest handling

  • Digital banking and customer support

Training today's youth to power tomorrow's global economy.

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KASAI: Eco-Tourism at Lake Mukamba

Kasai offers untapped natural and cultural treasures:

  • Eco-lodges and nature trails

  • Cultural tourism: music, storytelling, crafts

  • Training in hospitality and safety

AICC seeks to champion development of the tourism sector in a way that benefits local communities and protects the environment.

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ÉQUATORIAL CONGO: Timber & Agro-Forestry

Équateur's forests deliver value when managed sustainably:

  • Certified timber and reforestation

  • Agro-forestry blending cocoa, coffee, and fruit trees

  • Local sawmilling and processing

From forests to factories: value created in Congo, shared with the world.

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CONGO CENTRAL & BANDUNDU: Feeding the Capital

These provinces hold fertile farmland and fisheries that can supply Kinshasa:

  • Sustainable aquaculture and cold-chain logistics

  • Modernised cassava, fruit, and palm production

  • Cooperative farming, modelled on Irish rural success

Better food security, stable incomes, and bankable SMEs.

A lush green agricultural field of banana plants with mountains in the background and cloudy sky overhead.

Security & Stability

In June 2025, DRC and Rwanda signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement—progress toward stability.

  • Conflict zones are concentrated in the far east, 1,500 km from Kinshasa and other investment regions

  • Western and southern provinces remain secure, practical entry points for investors

Now is the moment to invest—when change is real and momentum is building.

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How AICC Supports Ireland-DRC Trade

For African Businesses Entering Ireland

  • Company formation and regulatory compliance

  • Immigration pathways and work permits

  • Access to finance and banking

  • Taxation and accountancy guidance

  • Sector-specific market intelligence

For Irish Investors in Africa

  • Market entry and vetted partners

  • Trade missions and delegations

  • Sector councils in minerals, agri-food, tourism, IT skills, micro-finance

  • Export services and policy dialogue

Our Institutional Backing

AICC operates with endorsement from:

  • Former President Michael D. Higgins

  • Bank of Ireland

  • Enterprise Ireland

  • IDA Ireland

  • Cross-party political support

Get Involved

Membership: Open to businesses and professionals exploring Ireland-Africa trade
Investment Enquiries: Sector-specific briefings available
Contact: aiccireland@gmail.com | africanirishchamberofcommerce.com