Lobito Corridor: DRC entrusts Mota-Engil with a strategic railway line
The DRC and Mota-Engil signed a 30-year concession contract on August 26 in Kinshasa for the Dilolo–Sakania railway line, the Congolese section of the Lobito Corridor. Approximately 1,004 km long, the route passes through Kolwezi, Tenke and Lubumbashi, at the heart of the country's mining basin. The project provides for the rehabilitation, modernization and operation of this strategic infrastructure. For the DRC, the stakes go beyond transport: this connection to Angola's port of Lobito could diversify copper and cobalt export routes, reduce logistical constraints and strengthen regional integration. The challenge now will be to turn this export corridor into a genuine corridor for production, industrialization and local value creation.
Ebola: an outbreak of unprecedented scale in the DRC
The Ebola outbreak continues to spread in the DRC, which is facing its 17th epidemic since 1976, making the country one of the most experienced in the world in fighting the disease. The current toll stands at 6,000 confirmed cases and more than 2,700 deaths, representing a fatality rate of 48%, with 54 health zones affected across six provinces. Although the DRC is beginning to build expertise in managing a health crisis it would certainly have preferred to avoid, this viral outbreak nevertheless represents an unprecedented challenge in terms of scale for the Bundibugyo strain. In response to the emergency, WHO and its partners have already mobilized a USD 518 million response plan to contain cross-border transmission and preserve health-system capacity. In parallel, the country has received 70,000 vaccine doses, part of which is intended for a phase III clinical trial.
US AGOA: the US market is expected to remain open to Congolese exporters until 2028
On August 8, 2026, the US Senate voted 90 to 6 to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until December 31, 2028. The mechanism allows eligible African countries, including the DRC, to access the US market duty-free for more than 1,800 products, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. The bill still has to pass the final legislative stages, but the vote contrasts with Donald Trump's America First policy, marked by higher tariffs. For the DRC, the stakes are significant: exports benefiting from AGOA reached nearly USD 2 billion in 2025, according to Congressional Research Service data, making the country one of the main beneficiaries of the program, with still largely untapped potential in agribusiness, textiles and manufactured goods.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
GIZ: Environment / Extractive Sector - DRC
Organization: GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit)
Type: International tender
Subject: Conducting a strategic environmental and social assessment (SESA) of the mining and hydrocarbons sectors in the DRC
Deadline: September 18, 2026
Target profile: Consulting firms, engineering firms, experts in environment, mining and hydrocarbons
DRC–Angola: offshore agreement opens prospect of potential revenue of USD 2.78 billion
The Council of Ministers of August 14, 2026 approved the operationalization of the governance agreement for the Common Interest Maritime Zone (CIZ) between the DRC and Angola. Following ratification of the texts, the creation of joint management bodies and the signing of the amendment to the production-sharing contract, the project is now entering an exploration phase for oil block 14/23. According to official estimates, the theoretical share accruing to the DRC could reach USD 2.78 billion, subject to exploration results and developments in oil markets.
Launch of "Vunga," a mechanism to facilitate financing for SMEs and subcontractors
Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka launched "Vunga," a major financial mechanism designed to support SMEs and local subcontractors. The scheme offers financing ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 1 million, covering up to 50% of the value of awarded contracts. Born of a public-private partnership between ARSP, FOGEC, Rawbank and Rawsur, the project aims to reduce the barriers that still limit the participation of Congolese SMEs in major economic projects, particularly in the industrial and mining sectors. For the Government, "Vunga" embodies President Félix Tshisekedi's vision to transform the DRC economy.
AfDB: the Road-Rail Bridge, Lobito Corridor and MetroKin move to a new stage
The African Development Bank (AfDB) reaffirmed its technical and financial commitment to three structural projects in the DRC: the Kinshasa-Brazzaville Road-Rail Bridge, the Lobito Corridor and MetroKin. During its August 2026 audience in Kinshasa, the institution confirmed its involvement in preparatory studies, technical expertise and project maturation, a key step before financing and implementation. In the long term, these infrastructures should reduce logistics costs, facilitate the movement of goods and create opportunities in construction and public works, logistics, real estate and services linked to major projects.
REGULATORY WATCH
The BCC lowers rates to make money more accessible
The Central Bank of Congo (BCC) has decided to reduce the cost of money in the economy. Specifically, it lowered its main interest rate from 13.5% to 12.5%, a measure that may gradually make loans less expensive for businesses and encourage investment. The BCC considers the economy to remain solid, with expected growth of 5.7% in 2026, inflation limited to 4.8% and foreign exchange reserves of USD 8.18 billion. It also encourages businesses and citizens to prioritize payments in Congolese francs in order to strengthen the stability of the national currency.
FOCUS DRC INSIGHT
The future Kinshasa Stock Exchange could change corporate financing
The Kinshasa Stock Exchange (KSX) is reaching a decisive milestone with the finalization of the legal framework for financial markets. Led by the Ministry of Finance, under the impetus of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, this reform aims to provide the DRC with its first modern stock exchange, with technical support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). No official launch date has yet been announced. The authorities are planning a gradual rollout once the Financial Markets Authority, listing infrastructure and investor protection mechanisms are fully operational. The future exchange will enable companies to raise capital by issuing shares and bonds, offering an alternative to bank credit and a new investment tool for the diaspora and institutional investors.
UPCOMING EVENTS
09/19/2026: Inauguration of the DRC's first modern industrial hatchery
The Congolese company Eggs for Congo (EFC) will officially inaugurate its modern industrial hatchery in N'Sele, DRC, on September 19. This infrastructure represents an important step in the development of the poultry sector in the DRC. It will help strengthen local production of day-old chicks, contribute to reducing dependence on imports and support the development of a network of producers and poultry value-chain actors. This achievement is the result of a collaborative dynamic between EFC and its partners, united around the same ambition: to contribute to the sustainable development of the poultry sector in the DRC.
Makutano Mining 2026: 1,500 decision-makers expected at Kinshasa's largest mining event
From November 22 to 25, 2026, the Makutano Mining forum will bring together 1,500 decision-makers in Kinshasa, including heads of state, ministers, executives of major mining companies, investors and international financial institutions, around the theme "Mine. Refine. Define." This 12th edition will focus on local mineral processing, project financing, infrastructure and sector governance. Since its creation in 2015, the Makutano network has organized 11 editions and hosted 6 heads of state, confirming its status as an essential business platform for forging partnerships and accelerating the upgrading of the mining value chain in the DRC.
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