Discover the heart of Congo’s economic future through Return to Congo 2027, an immersive, week-long experience taking place in Lubumbashi and Kolwezi, two of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most strategically important cities. Hosted by Congolese Diaspora Impact Strategies (CDIS) in partnership with Katanga Business Meeting (KBM), this journey offers participants an inside look at the people, industries, and opportunities shaping the country’s growth.

Lubumbashi, the capital of Haut-Katanga, is a regional commercial hub known for its mining ecosystem, entrepreneurial activity, and cross-border trade. Kolwezi, at the center of the Copperbelt, is a global focal point for critical minerals, innovation, and infrastructure development. Together, these cities provide a powerful lens into Congo’s present and future.

The 7-day experience will combine curated site visits, business and policy briefings, cultural programming, and networking opportunities with local and international stakeholders—offering participants a deeper understanding of the region’s economic landscape, history, and lived realities.

CDIS is committed to providing a safe, well-coordinated, and high-quality experience for all participants. We will closely monitor travel and security conditions and will have local coordination and security support in place throughout the duration of the trip.

All deposits for Return to Congo are non-refundable. If your package is canceled within 24 hours, you can receive a full refund. Partial refunds will be provided after the 24-hour cancellation period: 50% on or before Friday, February 26, 2027, and 25% on or before Friday, March 26 2027. No refunds will be provided for trips canceled on or after Friday, April 16, 2027.

We recommend purchasing "cancel for any reason" travel insurance if you need to cancel and seek a refund. 

Please be advised that space is limited and not guaranteed until the initial deposit is paid. 

Arrive in Lubumbashi to begin your 7-day Return to Congo journey. The CDIS travel team will be on the ground to welcome you upon arrival. After clearing customs, you’ll be transferred to your accommodations to rest and freshen up.

We’ll kick off the experience with a welcome dinner, giving you the opportunity to meet fellow Return to Congo participants and the CDIS team.

You will have the option to take part in a visit and volunteer experience with Malaika, a girls' school and community center based outside of Lubumbashi that is widely recognized for its work in girls’ education, community development, and social impact. This visit will offer meaningful insight into locally led initiatives shaping opportunity and long-term change in the region.

For those who prefer to stay in, there will be free time to explore Lubumbashi at a leisurely pace, getting to know one of Congo’s most important cities and cultural centers. Participants may choose to visit historical landmarks, enjoy local cafés and markets, or simply take in the rhythm of daily life.

• Lubumbashi Zoo   

• Marché de la Kenya/Kenya Market

• Lubumbashi Railway Station

After breakfast, we’ll depart Lubumbashi for Kolwezi, marking a transition into the next phase of the Return to Congo journey. Upon arrival, there will be time to check in, rest, and recharge.

Option to participate in a private group dinner with business leaders and founders.

This day will focus on mining and industrial site visits, offering participants firsthand exposure to the sectors that anchor the region’s economy. We will tour select mining operations and industrial facilities to better understand the value chain, operational environment, and broader economic impact.

In the evening, participants will be invited to a VIP kickoff reception officially opening Katanga Business Meeting (KBM). This exclusive event will bring together key stakeholders, business leaders, and partners to launch KBM and set the tone for the investment-focused days ahead.

The next day marks the official start of the Katanga Business Meeting (KBM). Programming will begin with the formal opening of the conference, setting the stage for a series of high-level panels and roundtable discussions focused on investment, industrial development, and regional competitiveness.

You will have full access to the Expo Zone, allowing you to discover the players shaping the Congolese economy—including companies, institutions, investors, and project developers operating across mining, infrastructure, energy, finance, and services.

The day will also feature a networking lunch, providing space for meaningful conversations and relationship-building, followed by an evening reception bringing together local and international stakeholders to continue discussions in a more informal setting.

We'll tour some real estate and development projects throughout the city to learn more about real estate investment options. 

We'll head to the airport to begin our return back to the U.S.,  Canada, or Europe.