Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, 21 July 2026: TradeMark Africa (TMA) has appointed Baraka Mugisha Billy as Country Director for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), strengthening its in-country leadership as it expands programmes to improve critical-minerals trade, modernise border systems and connect Congolese businesses to regional and global markets.
Mr Baraka will lead the delivery of TMA’s growing DRC portfolio, working with the Government, development partners and the private sector to advance trade reforms and investments. His immediate priorities include progressing the Critical Minerals and Borderlands programmes, as well as initiatives supporting digital trade, border infrastructure, export competitiveness, and regional integration.
The appointment strengthens TMA’s in-country leadership as it scales up implementation of the €6 million Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Programme, financed by the European Union under its Global Gateway strategy. The programme supports more efficient and transparent critical-minerals trade along the Kolwezi-Dilolo-Lobito route through modernised customs procedures, stronger institutions and improved cross-border coordination. TMA’s Borderlands Programme, also funded by the EU, complements this work by improving trade conditions for communities along the DRC-Uganda borders.
TMA’s work in the DRC will help operationalise the Mahagi One-Stop Border Post, improve trade procedures on the Lobito corridor, expand use of the Simplified Trade Regime and make small-scale cross-border trade safer and more efficient.
During an introductory meeting with Mr Baraka, His Excellency Julien Paluku Kahongya, Minister of External Trade, welcomed the appointment and discussed priorities for the next phase of cooperation between the Government and TMA.
“We welcome the appointment of Mr Baraka Mugisha Billy and look forward to working with him as TradeMark Africa enters a new phase of delivery in the DRC. The Ministry remains committed to advancing reforms that improve cross-border trade, strengthen regional connectivity and create opportunities for Congolese businesses and traders,” said Minister Paluku.
TMA Chief Executive Officer David Beer said Mr Baraka’s appointment would reinforce delivery and partnerships at an important point in the country programme, stating: “The DRC has an opportunity to translate its potential in developing critical minerals, logistics and regional trade, into a major increase in jobs, investment and sustainable growth. TradeMark Africa is committed to supporting this. Billy brings extensive delivery experience in the country and across the region, as well as the leadership needed to drive the results that will make a difference for people.”
While speaking of his appointment, Mr Baraka said: “DRC presents immense opportunities for trade, investment and regional integration. I am honoured to join TradeMark Africa as the country deepens its trade connections across the continent and strengthens its role in regional value chains. My immediate priority is to work with the Government, development partners and the private sector to deliver the Critical Minerals and Borderlands programmes effectively. We will focus on reforms that support businesses, create opportunities for border communities and translate trade into jobs, investment and sustainable economic growth.’’
Baraka brings more than 12 years of programme management and senior leadership experience across sub-Saharan Africa, including several assignments in the DRC. Before joining TMA, he held senior roles at African Initiatives for Relief and Development, Population Services International and Chemonics International.
TMA has worked in the DRC since 2017, supporting reforms that are reducing the time and cost of trade and improving regional connectivity. At the Goli-Mahagi border, crossing times fell by 63%, from eight hours in 2019 to three hours in 2024, while permit costs declined by 91%, from $30 to $3. At Kalundu Port, cargo-handling capacity increased fivefold, from 800 tonnes to 4,000 tonnes. Building on these results, TMA’s2023-2030 Country Programme Strategy aims to support 47,000 jobs, contribute to a $100 million increase in export value and enable 40,000 women, young people and persons with disabilities to increase their incomes through greater participation in formal trade and regional markets.