Cobalt for Development
Who runs and funds itA neutral broker between industry, government and communities.
GIZ implements C4D with no commercial interest, funded by companies that neither mine nor buy the cobalt, and works through Congolese institutions, with EGC and SAEMAPE at the centre.
Funding partners (current phase)
BMW Group
BASF
StihlRenault
European UnionEarlier-phase funders
Volkswagen Group
Samsung Electronics
Samsung SDI
Central to the pilot
EGCState cobalt company; monopoly on buying and marketing artisanal cobalt; C4D's main pilot partner at Tombolo.
SAEMAPEGovernment ASM authority; co-developed the training modules and embedded them in its curriculum.
Implementer
GIZImplements the project on behalf of the funders; no commercial interest.
DRC government & institutions
Ministry of MinesNational mining policy and oversight.
GécaminesState miner; owns EGC; subleased Tombolo via amodiation.
ARECOMSRegulator for strategic mineral markets.
CEEC · CAMI · CTCPM · SGNTechnical bodies for certification, cadastre, planning and geology.
Technical & research
BGRGerman geosciences institute; co-developed the training material.
Implementing NGOs
IMPACTNatural-resource governance; mining component, early phase.
ArtisanactLocal NGO; mining component.
Bon PasteurCommunity component; ran a mobile health clinic after site closure.
International & multilateral
European UnionCo-funds via the Global Gateway.
USAIDEngaged, then withdrew when dismantled in 2025.
US State DepartmentNational-level engagement partner.
OECDDue-diligence framework; forum and partner sessions.
Fair Cobalt AllianceSister initiative, supported by C4D.
Communities & sites
KisoteCommunity-programme village and first candidate mining site (geology failed).
Shabara · Kisanfu · TilwezembeInformal sites where the mobile training method was developed.
TomboloSelected EGC pilot site (Kanunka was the alternative).
Governance distinguishes Lead Partners, who shape strategy, from Contributing Partners, who advise. Confirm the active funder list with C4D before publishing.
On the Hub
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Cobalt for Development is one of dozens of programmes in the ASM-cobalt space. Browse the full registry, or tell us what we have missed.