Lubumbashi history

The history of Lubumbashi, the second-largest city in the Congo (DRC), is inextricably linked to the colonial period and the industrial development of the region's rich natural resources. The city emerged as the centre of one of the world's largest copper mining zones. It was founded by Belgian colonial authorities in 1910 and initially named Élisabethville after Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, the wife of King Albert I. It received its modern name, taken from a nearby river, in 1966 as part of an "Africanisation" policy aimed at rejecting colonial toponyms.

The rapid development of Élisabethville was driven by several key factors. Firstly, its geographical location was exceptionally advantageous: the city was established in the very heart of the so-called "Copperbelt"—a region with colossal reserves of copper ore, cobalt, and other minerals. Secondly, from the very beginning, the city became the headquarters of the powerful mining company Union Minière du Haut-Katanga, which controlled resource extraction and exports, essentially managing the entire region's economy. Finally, a railway was built to transport raw materials, connecting the city to other industrial centres and seaports, transforming Lubumbashi into a vital logistical and administrative hub for the Katanga province.

Early Lubumbashi developed as a typical colonial city, with an economy entirely focused on the mining industry and non-ferrous metallurgy. Its architectural appearance was formed in a European style, with clear planning and separation into quarters for European administrators and African workers. Thanks to the industrial boom, by the mid-20th century, the city had achieved one of the highest standards of living in the country, attracting both qualified specialists and workers.

Key moments in the history of Lubumbashi reflect its journey from a colonial industrial centre to one of the most important cities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• 1910 — Belgian colonial authorities found the city under the name Élisabethville to service copper mines.
• 1911 — The first copper smelter is launched, and the company Union Minière du Haut-Katanga (UMHK) begins industrial copper mining, defining the city's economic future.
• 1928 — Construction of the railway connecting the city to Port-Francqui (now Ilebo) is completed, significantly improving logistics and raw material exports.
• 1955 — The Official University of the Congo and Ruanda-Urundi is founded, which would later become known as the University of Lubumbashi.
• 1960 — Following the proclamation of Congo's independence, the city becomes the capital of the self-proclaimed separatist State of Katanga.
• 1966 — As part of the "Africanisation" policy, Élisabethville is renamed Lubumbashi after the nearby river.
• 1967 — The assets of Union Minière du Haut-Katanga are nationalised, forming the basis for the state mining company Gécamines.
• 1970 — The National Museum of Lubumbashi opens, becoming an important cultural centre preserving the historical and ethnographic heritage of the region.
• 1981 — The university receives its modern name—the University of Lubumbashi (UNILU)—becoming an autonomous higher education institution.
• 1997 — During the First Congo War, the city comes under the control of the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila.

The history of Lubumbashi is inextricably linked to the rich mineral resources of the Katanga region. The city has journeyed from a colonial outpost to the second most significant metropolis of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, becoming its industrial and economic heart. Key stages of its development reflect dramatic changes in the life of the entire country.

Major milestones in the city's history:

• 1910 — The Founding of Élisabethville. The city was founded by Belgian colonial authorities and named Élisabethville. Its emergence was directly driven by the discovery of extremely rich copper deposits and the construction of a railway for their development by the Union Minière du Haut-Katanga company.

• Early 20th Century — Development of Transport Infrastructure. The construction of the railway connecting the city with ports in South Africa became a decisive factor for its growth. Élisabethville transformed into the main logistical and industrial hub of the entire "Copperbelt" of Central Africa.

• 1955-1956 — Opening of the University. The establishment of the Official University of the Congo and Ruanda-Urundi (later the University of Lubumbashi) laid the foundation for transforming the city into a vital educational and scientific centre of the region. This event contributed to the formation of a local intelligentsia and raised the city's cultural status.

• 1960-1963 — Capital of a Separatist State. After the Congo gained independence, the city became the capital of the self-proclaimed State of Katanga led by Moise Tshombe. This short but turbulent period ended after the intervention of UN troops.

• 1966 — Renaming to Lubumbashi. As part of the policy of "Authenticity" (a return to African roots) pursued by President Mobutu Sese Seko, Élisabethville was renamed Lubumbashi after the river flowing nearby. This symbolised a rejection of the colonial past.

• End of 20th - Beginning of 21st Century — Economic Challenges and Revival. After a period of political instability and a fall in global copper prices, the city's mining industry experienced a decline. However, in the 2000s, with rising demand for copper and cobalt, Lubumbashi reasserted its status as the "copper capital" and attracted new investments, providing impetus for modern development.

The architectural appearance of Lubumbashi is a visual chronicle of its turbulent history, from a planned colonial centre to a dynamically developing African metropolis. The city harmoniously yet contrastingly combines buildings from different eras, each telling its own part of the story of the "copper capital" of Congo (DRC).

Colonial Heritage: From Élisabethville to Lubumbashi

Founded in 1910 as Élisabethville, the city was initially built according to a European model, which is still noticeable in its central area. The architecture of the colonial period represents an eclectic mix of styles. Here one can find buildings in the spirit of Belgian Modernism and Art Deco, characterised by strict lines but adapted to the hot climate with wide verandas and galleries to create shade. Some structures built for the mining company Union Minière were even inspired by French regional architecture. Iconic examples of this era include the monumental Catholic Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and former administrative buildings that form the historical core of the city.

Architecture of Independence and Modernity

After the country gained independence, and especially during the Mobutu era, trends of Modernism and partly Brutalism appeared in the architecture of public buildings. This style, with its massive concrete structures, was intended to symbolise the power and progress of the new nation. A striking representative of this period is the University of Lubumbashi complex, founded back in the 1950s. Today's Lubumbashi continues to be actively built up. Economic growth linked to the revival of the mining industry has led to the appearance of modern office centres, hotels, and residential complexes. New buildings are distinguished primarily by functional design, reflecting the city's status as a key economic hub of the country.

Lubumbashi, as a major economic and cultural hub of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has been the birthplace or a significant stage in life for many prominent figures of the country. Among them are politicians, artists, and athletes who have gained fame at both the national and international levels.

Moise Tshombe (1919–1969)

A politician who became one of the key figures in the history of the Congo. In 1960, he led a separatist movement and became the president of the self-proclaimed State of Katanga, the capital of which was Élisabethville (the old name for Lubumbashi). Later, in 1964–1965, he served as the Prime Minister of the entire country. His activities had a huge influence on the political landscape of the Congo during the decolonisation period and subsequent years.

Laurent-Désiré Kabila (1939–2001)

Although he was not born in Lubumbashi but in a neighbouring province, his political career was closely tied to the Katanga region. In 1997, his rebel forces entered Lubumbashi, which became a decisive moment in the First Congo War that led to the overthrow of the Mobutu regime. Becoming president, Kabila ruled the country until his assassination in 2001.

Frédéric Kibassa Maliba (1939–2003)

A well-known political figure born in the vicinity of Lubumbashi. He was one of the founders of the "Union for Democracy and Social Progress"—one of the largest opposition parties during the Mobutu era. Later, he served as the Minister of Mines in the government of Laurent-Désiré Kabila, a significant position for a representative of the country's "copper belt".

Sammy Baloji (born 1978)

A contemporary Congolese photographer and video artist, born and raised in Lubumbashi. In his works, he explores the colonial past and post-colonial present of the Katanga province, often juxtaposing historical archival photos with modern realities. His work has received international recognition and has been honoured with prestigious awards, including at the African Photography Biennial in Bamako.

Bismack Biyombo (born 1992)

A professional basketball player born in Lubumbashi. He has built a successful career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the USA, playing for teams such as the Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, and San Antonio Spurs. Biyombo is known not only for his sporting achievements but also for his active charitable work in his homeland through his foundation.