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Congo - Millionaires of Chaos

February 23, 2021

Many millionaires live in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the world's poorest countries. This film depicts some of those who have made fortunes amid the chaos, including musicians, mining bosses, entrepreneurs.

https://p.dw.com/p/3pl4D
DW Dokumentationen | Congo: Millionaires of Chaos
Image: Java
Afrika Kongos Superreiche - Luxus und Elend in Zentralafrika
Image: ZDFinfo/ java

The DRC is rich in raw materials, but only a few profit from its natural resources. While 60% of Congo's inhabitants live on less than $1.25 per day, businessmen, artists, former rebel leaders and evangelists are reaping the rewards of economic growth. In the capital, Kinshasa, these new rich live in safe and luxurious enclaves, while children toil in coltan mines in the eastern part of the country.

Afrika Kongos Superreiche - Luxus und Elend in Zentralafrika
Image: ZDFinfo/ java

Fally Ipupa has made his money with music. Others rely on their business acumen, like Patricia Nzolantima, who founded a taxi company and aims to give more opportunities to women.

Rubaya Mine Fluss
Image: DW/S. Schlindwein

With 3,000 mine workers, Cooperamma is the largest employer in North Kivu, in the east of the DRC. Managing director Robert Seninga says his coltan mines are extremely well-run, yet safety standards are poor. Coltan, a globally coveted mineral, is used in cell phones and other devices. It’s both a blessing and a curse for the Congo. It makes some rich, but for others it means death. The region still suffers from ethnic and factional conflicts, with money from illegal coltan smuggling financing new violence. It’s a vicious cycle.


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