On June 27, 2025, a major diplomatic breakthrough was reached. Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a U.S.–Qatar mediated peace accord in Washington, marking a possible turning point in a decades-long conflict that has cost lives, displaced millions, and disrupted trade across Central Africa.

The deal includes commitments to withdraw troops, end support for armed groups, and form a joint oversight body within 30 days. It also introduces reintegration pathways for former combatants. If implemented effectively, this agreement could unlock significant economic and trade opportunities, not only for the two countries involved, but also for regional markets dependent on East–Central Africa’s infrastructure corridors and mineral value chains.

For decades, the insecurity in eastern DRC has stifled cross-border commerce, limited infrastructure development, and scared off long-term investment in a region rich in copper, cobalt, gold, and other critical minerals. Roads have remained unpaved, borders poorly managed, and logistics costs inflated. Trust between private sector actors across borders has been fragile at best.

Now, with a formal accord on the table, both countries have a chance to turn conflict zones into economic corridors. A stable eastern Congo could become a trade hub, offering connections between landlocked markets like Burundi, Uganda, and Zambia, and port access through East African gateways. Peace could also open up new markets for Congolese minerals, Rwandan agri-exports, and cross-border infrastructure development.

The peace accord is also significant within the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Both Rwanda and the DRC are signatories, but the persistent conflict has made real implementation difficult. With greater stability, the region can finally begin to align customs policies, digital payment systems, and transport frameworks to participate in intra-African trade more effectively.

But the deal is only the beginning. It still excludes key players like the M23 rebel group, which continues to control parts of eastern DRC. Rwanda denies involvement, but tensions around their alleged support continue to cast a shadow over the agreement. Past accords, such as the 2013 Addis Ababa Framework, collapsed due to weak enforcement and unclear consequences for violations. This time, successful implementation must go beyond diplomacy and into the realm of economic coordination, accountability, and infrastructure investment.

The humanitarian cost of the conflict is undeniable, with over 7 million people displaced and thousands of conflict-related sexual violence cases in just the past year. But now the region has a chance to shift the narrative—from aid and crisis response, to economic recovery and regional collaboration.

Investors, trade bodies, and regional business leaders should be watching this closely. A functioning peace accord could reduce operational risks, lower insurance and transport costs, and enable more predictable supply chains across one of Africa’s most resource-rich but underutilised regions.

If Rwanda and the DRC can sustain peace, this will not just be a diplomatic win, but a market-opening moment for Central Africa.