Franco-Togolese business lawyer Pascal Agboyibor plays a central role in the ongoing discussions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United States concerning strategic minerals such as cobalt, lithium and coltan.
Officially appointed to the partnership's strategic coordination unit on May 12, 2025, he is the only lawyer in a team of senior Congolese officials, including several ministers and directors of key public institutions.
Founder of Asafo & Co, Mr. Agboyibor is renowned for his expertise in mining law and structured finance. His involvement in this case reinforces the technical and diplomatic dimension of the negotiations, as the United States seeks to secure its supply of critical minerals in a geopolitical context marked by persistent instability in the east of the DRC.
This choice highlights Togo's growing influence on the African diplomatic scene. The participation of a Togolese in this strategic initiative comes at a time when President Faure Gnassingbé is engaged in a sensitive mediation between the DRC and Rwanda. This dual Togolese presence, both political and legal, bears witness to a discreet but effective strategy of influence, carried out by Lomé at the heart of the continent's geo-economic stakes.
The agreement between Kinshasa and Washington is expected to be signed by the end of June 2025.
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