DRC: FATF Grey List Exit Strengthens the Country's Financial Credibility
On 30 October 2026, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) removed the DRC from its grey list, ending the increased monitoring introduced in October 2022. Following an on-site assessment, the decision recognises progress in tackling money laundering and terrorist financing. For banks and businesses, it could strengthen international partners' confidence and support cross-border financial relationships. President Félix Tshisekedi welcomed the development, expressing his expectation that it would translate into improved financing prospects for businesses, increased investment and job creation.
The DRC enters the final quarter of 2026 with relative monetary stability, despite persistent inflationary and budgetary pressures. On 8 October, the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) kept its policy rate at 12.5% and its marginal lending facility rate at 16.5%. International reserves stood at USD 7.8 billion at the end of September, covering 2.96 months of imports. The BCC forecasts year-end inflation of 8.9% and an exchange rate close to CDF 2,270 per US dollar. Economic growth is projected at 5.4% in 2026, supported by mining and non-mining activities.
Russia–Africa Summit offers the DRC new avenues for economic cooperation
The DRC participated in the third Russia–Africa Summit, held in Moscow on 28–29 October 2026, with a delegation led by President Félix Tshisekedi. The meeting provided a forum for dialogue aimed at diversifying the country's international partnerships. Three agreements were announced, covering health, economic and scientific exchanges, and vocational training for young Congolese people. For the private sector, these initiatives could support new commercial, technological and industrial partnerships. Their economic impact will, however, depend on the implementation of commitments and the projects that follow.
Dar es Salaam strengthens its role in Congolese trade
During the 2025–2026 financial year, transit cargo bound for the DRC through the Port of Dar es Salaam increased by 30%, from 5.99 million to 7.77 million tonnes. According to port management, quoted by The Citizen, the DRC now accounts for approximately 53% of the port's transit cargo. This growth reinforces the Central Corridor's role in supplying the Congolese market and moving goods. It also highlights the importance of road and rail infrastructure, cargo traceability and customs coordination between the DRC and Tanzania.
OPPORTUNITIES
Enabel procurement pipeline offers opportunities through year-end
Organisation: Enabel DRC
Type: Procurement plan
Scope: Works, supplies and services planned under the 2026 programme.
Period: Plan covering procurement through 31 December 2026.
Target applicants: Qualified companies and service providers meeting the requirements of individual tenders.
DRC seeks financial and technical partners for 64 artisanal mining zones
Organisation: DRC Government / mining sector
Type: Investment and partnership opportunity
Scope: Support for the formalisation and development of 64 artisanal mining zones, mainly in Lualaba and Haut-Katanga.
Identified needs: Financing, technical partnerships and support for the mechanisation of mining cooperatives.
Target partners: Investors, financial institutions, technical partners and operators specialising in mechanisation and artisanal mining development.
Details: Initiative presented on 20 October 2026 on the sidelines of African Mining Week in South Africa. Further information
FUNDING
DRC considers FAGACE membership to expand access to business guarantees
At the 100th Council of Ministers meeting, the Congolese government considered the principle of joining the African Guarantee and Economic Cooperation Fund (FAGACE). The stated objective is to strengthen guarantee mechanisms that could facilitate business lending and the financing of major development projects, including public–private partnerships. Membership could provide an additional avenue for risk-sharing between banks, businesses and public institutions. It should not, however, be presented as an existing funding facility. Membership arrangements, instruments available in the DRC and beneficiary eligibility requirements remain subject to confirmation through operational documentation.
Dutch Diamonds Partnerships next funding window approaches
The Dutch Diamonds Partnerships (DDP) programme supports partnerships between businesses, public authorities, and knowledge institutions or civil society organisations to develop sustainable markets. Grants range from EUR 500,000 to EUR 3 million, subject to programme conditions. The deadline for submitting the quick scan — 26 October 2026 at 17:00 CET — has now passed. Full applications are scheduled to open from 7 December 2026 to 15 February 2027.
REGULATORY WATCH
Carbon market revenue-sharing moves into the implementation spotlight
On 22 October 2026, the Congolese Senate unanimously adopted the bill ratifying Ordinance-Law No. 26/016 of 7 September 2026 governing the DRC's carbon market. All 74 votes cast supported the text. Senators called on the government to ensure that local communities receive their allocated share of revenues, clarify through a ministerial order the financial allocations to provinces and decentralised territorial entities, and strengthen monitoring and transparency.
Standardised invoicing puts business tax compliance in focus
The Directorate-General of Taxes (DGI) inspected several hotels and businesses in Kinshasa to verify the issuance of standardised invoices. Penalties, potentially including the closure of non-compliant establishments, were announced. Issued through an electronic fiscal device, including the e-DEF platform, standardised invoices authenticate transactions by VAT-registered taxpayers and help safeguard public revenue. A parallel campaign encourages consumers to request invoices, scan their QR codes and report irregularities through the official FACNO RDC application. The Ministry of Finance plans to reward reports that establish non-compliance.
DRC moves towards tighter subcontracting and local-content controls
In October 2026, the Private Sector Subcontracting Regulatory Authority (ARSP) announced intensified inspections, action against companies using nominee arrangements, and efforts to increase Congolese SMEs' participation in contracts. These measures accompany the June 2026 legislative reforms on subcontracting and local content. Businesses will need to review contracts, procurement procedures and compliance arrangements. Beyond regulatory obligations, these developments could create new opportunities for local companies, particularly in mining, industry and services.
DEALS & INVESTMENTS
Joint committee seeks to advance Grand Inga project development
The DRC and the United States held the inaugural meeting of the Grand Inga Project Coordination and Governance Committee in Paris on 26 October 2026, under the strategic partnership agreement signed on 4 December 2025. Discussions focused on project coordination and the conditions required for its development. A joint technical working group is expected to meet monthly from November 2026 to April 2027 to prepare the next steps. Grand Inga envisages the development of a vast hydroelectric complex on the Congo River. For Washington, the project represents infrastructure capable of supporting an integrated economic chain spanning energy, mining, processing and transport.
XSML accreditation by the Green Climate Fund opens prospects for Congolese SMEs
XSML Capital, an investor active in the DRC, has secured accreditation from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This will enable it to submit climate-finance proposals to the GCF, opening new prospects for Congolese SMEs. Renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and energy efficiency are among the sectors that could benefit. This development could help mobilise additional capital for the green transition of the Congolese private sector.
ANSER seeks operators for 28 solar power plants
The National Electrification Agency (ANSER) is seeking operators to manage, operate and maintain 28 solar power plants with a combined capacity of 5.6 MWp, divided into eight lots across the DRC. This consultation, ahead of a future selection process, is open to Congolese and international companies as well as consortia. It could lead to operating contracts and additional investment in network expansion and energy storage. Interested operators have until 26 November 2026 to express their interest.
The proposed tramway project for Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, estimated at USD 9 billion, remains in the structuring phase. Presented in Brussels, it includes seven interconnected lines in Kinshasa, including an express link between Gombe and N'djili Airport. Delivery would rely on a public–private partnership whose financial and contractual arrangements have yet to be finalised. Meanwhile, progress on MetroKin raises questions about coordination between the two transport systems. These investments could create substantial opportunities for construction, engineering and service companies.
SPOTLIGHT
Two surveys invite businesses to share their experience of the DRC market
Two surveys are inviting economic stakeholders to share their experience of the business environment in the DRC.
Mining sector: three minutes to help shape a new barometer. Innogence Consulting and Néré Consultants are gathering professionals' views on the institutional framework, regulation and investment prospects. Their stated ambition is to produce an annual barometer presented at Makutano Mining. Take the survey
Business climate: Deloitte seeks companies' views. Commissioned by the Presidency's Business Climate Unit, the second edition of the national barometer aims to inform measures to improve the economic environment. Deloitte states that respondents' anonymity is guaranteed. Take the survey
AGENDA
Business France prepares a mining and infrastructure mission to the DRC
Business France Angola & DRC has announced an exploratory mission focused on mining and infrastructure, scheduled for 7–9 December 2026 in the DRC. Aimed at French companies seeking to expand into the Congolese market, the mission will be preceded by an information webinar on 6 November. For local businesses, it could foster new commercial and industrial partnerships, particularly in mining subcontracting, engineering, equipment and infrastructure services. It also offers an opportunity to strengthen Franco-Congolese economic ties and identify future business opportunities.
Ukamili Digital Summit: Connecting Digital SMEs with Major Companies
On 11–12 November 2026 in Lubumbashi, the Ukamili Digital Summit will bring together startups, digital SMEs, major companies, investors and institutions to explore market access, particularly in the mining sector. Organised by Ukamili Digital City, the event will feature panels, workshops, solution showcases and business meetings. It will launch a support programme helping selected businesses meet compliance requirements and strengthen their operations, with a view to participating in a Digital Pavilion at the Katanga Business Meeting in May 2027. Entrepreneurs will be able to showcase their solutions, while companies can share their needs and identify local suppliers. Information and registration
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