Resource Matters

What Resource Matters does

Resource Matters is a Belgian non-governmental organization founded in 2016 that conducts independent research and advocacy on natural resource governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The organization pursues a mission of ensuring that the DRC's mining and energy wealth generates tangible benefits for local populations and contributes to a just energy transition. It operates from a Brussels headquarters (Mundo-Madou, Avenue des Arts 7-8) and a Kinshasa country office (Concession Sedec, Avenue de la Paix n°1), employing 16 staff and engaging affected Congolese communities, civil society coalitions (including the Mwangaza Network spanning 26 provinces and the Makuta consortium), DRC and EU government institutions, and downstream supply chain actors.

Its core outputs are three interactive data platforms: Congo Epela, an electrification planning tool modeling least-cost energy solutions across all populated areas of the DRC using OnSSET for scenario analysis and OSeMOSYS for optimal energy mix modeling; Makuta, a fiscal transparency platform tracking mining royalty allocations from 92 companies to local governments (ETDs) since 2018, documenting over $1 billion in flows; and the Cobalt Supply Chain Platform, which maps 300+ companies in the global cobalt chain originating from the DRC (70% of world cobalt production). These platforms are built in collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the University of Cape Town's Energy Systems Research Group, the Reiner Lemoine Institute, and CERERK/ISTA, integrating datasets from GRID3, SEforALL, Global Wind Atlas, SHER, and SNEL/ANSER. The organization also produces research publications (e.g., a December 2025 White Paper on local mineral processing), a monthly podcast "Qui perd, qui gagne?" with Actualité.cd, and policy advocacy at the DRC Stakeholder Forum on Energy Transition Minerals, OECD Forums, EU Raw Materials Week, and European Parliament hearings.

The revenue model is grant-funded philanthropy. Resource Matters receives financial support from foundations (11th Hour Project, Open Society Foundations), bilateral development agencies (SIDA, GIZ, USAID), and multilateral organizations (National Endowment for Democracy, Fiscal Transparency Innovation Fund); the USAID Just Energy Transition Minerals Challenge was discontinued following a stop-work order. The organization does not sell products or services — all platforms, publications, and datasets are open-access. Its strategic position rests on independent credibility, a unique data advantage in DRC resource governance, and a coalition network of 90+ partners spanning civil society, academia, and financial supporters.

Name

Resource Matters

Legal name

Resource Matters

Website

https://resourcematters.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Resource Matters is a Belgian non-profit civil society organization that conducts independent research and advocacy on natural resource governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo, operating three open-access data platforms (Congo Epela, Makuta, Cobalt Supply Chain) to promote transparency in mining, energy, and anti-corruption policy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Natural Resource Governance and Transparency (Non-Profit)

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPADALAB

Climate Finance, Carbon Markets & MRV Systems

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/Climate, Environment & Sustainable Development Programs

SECONDARYBPADAEAL

Digital Development & ICT4D / GovTech Technical Assistance

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/International Development & Technical Assistance

Keywords

• Natural resource governance
• Mining transparency platforms
• Electrification planning data
• Cobalt supply chain mapping
• Policy advocacy research

Headquarters

HQ city

Brussels

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Resource Matters is a non-governmental organization that produces independent research and operates three interactive open-access data platforms (Congo Epela for electrification planning, Makuta for mining royalty tracking, and Cobalt Supply Chain for supply chain mapping) to advance natural resource governance, transparency, and accountability in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The organization complements these platforms with policy advocacy, coalition-building with civil society, and multi-level engagement with government, industry, and international institutions.

Product overview

Resource Matters is a non-governmental organization (not a commercial technology company) focused on ensuring that the Democratic Republic of Congo's mining and energy wealth benefits its population and contributes to a just energy transition. The organization operates three core interactive data platforms: (1) Congo Epela — an electrification planning platform that models least-cost electricity access solutions across all DRC regions using OnSSET and OSeMOSYS tools, incorporating data from multiple partners including GRID3, SHER, and Global Wind Atlas; (2) Makuta — a platform tracking mining royalty revenues destined for local governments since 2018; and (3) the Cobalt Supply Chain Platform — mapping 300+ companies in the global cobalt supply chain from DRC mines to end users. These platforms are complemented by in-depth research publications, a monthly podcast partnership with Actualité.cd, and multi-level advocacy services targeting local communities, national institutions, and international stakeholders.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Congo Epela Platform Interactive open-access web platform presenting practical solutions and scenarios for electrification of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It compiles data on electricity demand, existing infrastructure, energy potential, and least-cost electrification options for each region. It uses OnSSET modeling for six predefined electrification scenarios and OSeMOSYS for optimal energy mix modeling. It is designed for government actors, private companies, and civil society working on energy access planning.
• Makuta Platform Interactive open-access platform tracking mining revenues destined for local governments (ETDs) in the DRC. It shows fiscal flows from 2018 to present, with data on 92 companies subject to mining royalties and the decentralized territorial entities that should benefit from 15% of royalty allocations. It enables citizens and administrators to monitor revenue flows and advocate for transparent use of funds.
• Cobalt Supply Chain Platform Interactive mapping platform documenting over 300 companies involved in cobalt extraction, processing, and use in the global supply chain. It documents buyers and sellers of minerals throughout the chain to promote ethical sourcing from the DRC, which supplies 70% of global cobalt production. The platform supports downstream buyers conducting supply chain due diligence.
• Qui perd, qui gagne? Podcast Monthly podcast produced in partnership with Actualité.cd (leading Congolese online media) examining current topics related to natural resources in the DRC. Episodes cover mining pollution, Sicomines agreement analysis, cobalt quotas, and community impacts of mining operations. The podcast is part of Resource Matters' public-facing research dissemination.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $1 billion in mining royalties tracked for local governments since 2018
• +3 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• The Carter CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Carter Center has helped people live healthier and more peaceful lives since 1982. Its Extractive Industries Governance Program promotes transparency and accountability in DRC's extractive sector. Elisabeth Caesens previously ran The Carter Center's mining governance program in Lubumbashi (2010-2014). Resource Matters and Carter Center collaborate on research and advocacy.
• Observatoire Africain des Ressources Naturelles (Afrewatch)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAfrewatch is an organization advocating for just and equitable exploitation of natural resources in Africa, holding states and companies accountable. It focuses on natural resources including mines, hydrocarbons, and water, addressing artisanal mining, climate change, energy access, and human rights defenders. Resource Matters collaborates with Afrewatch on Busanga hydropower research and joint advocacy.
• Human Rights WatchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHuman Rights Watch is an international NGO documenting and advocating against human rights abuses. Together with Resource Matters, it submitted testimony to the US Development Finance Corporation urging consultation with Congolese communities on human rights and corruption risks prior to finalizing $900 million critical minerals investments.
• Le Congo n'est pas à vendre (CNPAV)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCNPAV is a Congolese civil society coalition committed to preventing the sale of Congo's natural resources for private gain. Resource Matters is an active member and co-signatory to joint statements, including the letter calling on the EU to end its partnership with Rwanda on critical raw materials.
• Mazingira pour TouscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMazingira pour Tous (Environment for All) is a Congolese NGO working on environmental protection. It is a key member of the Mwangaza Network and collaborates with Resource Matters on electricity sector advocacy and research.
• Justice pour Tous (JPT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJustice pour Tous is a Congolese NGO focused on human rights. It collaborates with Resource Matters and other Makuta consortium members on mining revenue transparency and local government accountability.
• Global WitnesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal Witness is an international NGO investigating the role of natural resources in conflict and corruption. It co-signed the joint letter with Resource Matters and 63 other organizations calling on the EU to end its Rwanda partnership on critical raw materials.
• LuchacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLucha is a Congolese citizen movement advocating for social justice and good governance. It is part of the civil society partner network collaborating with Resource Matters on transparency and accountability issues.
• Congo Research GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Congo Research Group is a think tank focused on Congo studies. It collaborates with Resource Matters on research and analysis of mining governance issues.
• Congo Hold UpmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCongo Hold Up is an investigative journalism consortium. It collaborates with Resource Matters on documenting and exposing corruption and governance issues in Congolese mining sector.
• Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPPLAAF protects whistleblowers and supports those who expose wrongdoing. It partners with Resource Matters on accountability and transparency initiatives.
• Rights & Accountability in Development (RAID-UK)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRAID-UK exposes corporate wrongdoing, environmental harm, and human rights abuse. It has collaborated with Resource Matters on documenting pollution from mining operations and responding to Dan Gertler sanctions issues.
• Cadre de Concertation de la Société Civile de l'Ituri sur les Ressources Naturelles (CdC/RN)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCdC/RN is a civil society coalition in Ituri province focusing on natural resource governance. It is a member of the Makuta consortium and collaborates on mining revenue transparency work.
• Action pour la Défense des Droits Humains (ADDH)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerADDH is a Congolese human rights organization. It partnered with Resource Matters and Afrewatch to condemn the arrest and detention of 11 community leaders from Lualaba province.
• Initiative pour la Bonne Gouvernance et les Droits Humains (IBGDH)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIBGDH is a Congolese organization focused on good governance and human rights. It collaborated with Afrewatch and OEARSE on the Busanga hydropower report documenting governance issues.
• Coalition UE sur les matières premièresmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe EU Raw Materials Coalition is a coalition of civil society organizations working on raw materials policy. Resource Matters co-organized a side event with the coalition during EU Raw Materials Week 2024 on cobalt due diligence.
• UNIS (Pan-African Network Against Corruption)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNIS is an African NGO committed to fighting corruption and financial crimes, with particular focus on DRC. It collaborates with Resource Matters on anti-corruption advocacy.
• Sentinel of Natural ResourcesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSentinel of Natural Resources is an independent Congolese NGO promoting transparent and responsible natural resource governance.
• Actualité.cdcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerActualité.cd is the leading Congolese online media outlet. It co-produces the 'Qui perd, qui gagne?' (Who loses, who wins?) podcast with Resource Matters, exploring monthly topics on natural resources. This partnership amplifies Resource Matters' research reach through established media channels.
• KTH Royal Institute of TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKTH is Sweden's largest technical university and leading research institution. It collaborates with Resource Matters on the Congo Epela platform, providing technical expertise for electrification modeling and spatial analysis.
• Energy Systems Research Group (University of Cape Town)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerESRG is a multi-disciplinary team combining energy and economic systems modeling with policy analysis. It partners with Resource Matters on the Congo Epela platform, modeling optimal energy mixes for Eastern and Southwest DRC regions using OSeMOSYS.
• Reiner Lemoine InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Reiner Lemoine Institute is an independent non-profit research institution contributing to energy transition research. It collaborated with Resource Matters on mini-grid modeling for mining communities and building energy modeling for public rooftops (SNEL and ISTA sites).
• Centre d'Études et de Recherches sur les Énergies Renouvelables Kitsisa (CERERK) / ISTAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCERERK is an initiative of the Higher Institute of Applied Techniques (ISTA) dedicated to renewable energy research and promotion. It collaborated on Zongo II hydropower study and public rooftops energy research, contributing technical expertise on DRC energy infrastructure.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/resourcematters

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Resource Matters