Manono Lithium Prioritises Local Employment as DRC Advances Major Lithium Project Development
Manono Lithium SAS says it is prioritising the recruitment and training of young people from Tanganyika Province as it develops one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most promising lithium projects.
The company’s Communications Officer, Célestin Muganza, said local employment remains a key focus, while acknowledging that mining operations require specialised technical skills that may not always be immediately available in the region.
“Manono Lithium’s priority is to provide employment opportunities for local youth. The project must first benefit the people of the area.
However, mining requires technical expertise, including engineers and specialised professionals, and at certain stages we may need additional skills from outside the region,” Muganza said.
To address the skills gap, the company has established partnerships with higher education institutions to align training programmes with the needs of the mining industry.
Recruitment has already taken place among graduates from the University of Kalemie and the University of Lubumbashi.
Muganza said the company is also working with the University of Manono to develop local capacity, supporting more than 220 young people through training initiatives aimed at preparing them for future employment opportunities in the mining sector.
The company believes developing local skills will gradually allow more young people from Tanganyika to occupy technical and professional positions within the project, reducing dependence on external expertise.
The Manono-Kitotolo lithium project is considered one of the most significant lithium developments in the DRC and is expected to contribute to the country’s growing role in the global battery minerals supply chain.
The project, operated by Manono Lithium SAS through a partnership involving state-owned Cominière and private investors, represents a major investment opportunity for Tanganyika Province.
Company officials have indicated that the operation has already created more than 1,200 jobs for Congolese workers.
The Manono lithium deposit has attracted international attention due to its large resource potential and growing demand for lithium used in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems.
However, the project continues to face scrutiny over issues including mining governance, transparency, community benefits, and the management of local economic opportunities.
For Manono Lithium, increasing local participation remains central to ensuring that the project delivers long-term benefits to surrounding communities while supporting the development of the DRC’s lithium industry.
The company recently held its annual conference in Manono, bringing together government officials, traditional leaders, employees, and community representatives to review progress made in 2025 and outline priorities for 2026. The event also recognised employees and departments for outstanding performance.
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