After its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on October 7, the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) announced a sharp easing of its monetary policy. The benchmark interest rate, which determines the cost at which commercial banks borrow from the central bank, was cut from 25% to 17.5%. The marginal lending facility rate, applied for urgent liquidity needs, was lowered from 30% to 21.5%.

This technical adjustment, the largest since 2021, aims to make financing in Congolese francs (FC) cheaper for commercial banks and, in turn, for the state, businesses, and households. It could encourage lending to economic actors and increase the supply of francs in circulation.

Although not stated explicitly, the BCC’s measures are part of a strategy to restore the role of the franc in domestic transactions and reduce structural dependence on the U.S. dollar, which accounts for over 90% of payments. This is the main objective set by Governor André Wameso since taking office in July.

Behind this monetary goal lies a broader question of sovereignty. Dollar dominance limits the authorities’ ability to manage liquidity and control financial flows. Excessive reliance also exposes the economy to unilateral U.S. decisions, such as potential restrictions on dollar imports. By promoting the use of the Congolese franc, the BCC seeks to reduce external vulnerability and strengthen internal stability as economic fundamentals improve.

According to the MPC, inflation fell from 15.1% in September 2024 to 7.8% a year later, while the national currency appreciated by about 11.6% on the official market and 7.8% on the parallel market, trading at around 2,549 and 2,659 FC per dollar, respectively. For 2026, the BCC forecasts inflation at 6.8%, a more stable exchange rate, and “robust” economic growth.

A Risky Bet

However, the impact of these measures will depend on confidence in the local currency. An increase in the supply of francs without corresponding demand could weaken stability and trigger renewed depreciation.

The DRC’s heavy reliance on imports also poses a major risk. By the end of July 2025, imports had risen by nearly 6%, increasing the need for foreign currency, while exports fell by about 18%, mainly due to suspended cobalt sales. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the faster outflow of foreign currency now represents one of the main risks to maintaining adequate reserves.

Aware of these threats, the BCC said it is ready “to respond in case of a reversal.” To strengthen stability, it plans to absorb excess liquidity by implementing, from October 15, the second stage of the exchange rate adjustment applied to reserve requirements, which has remained fixed at 1,999 FC per dollar since 2021. The governor noted that the first adjustment helped support the franc by withdrawing the equivalent of 371 billion FC from the market.

At the same time, the BCC is encouraging businesses to conduct transactions in francs, while the government plans to collect part of its taxes in the local currency. The rate cut is also expected to help the Treasury refinance domestic debt at lower costs, easing the interest burden on public finances.

The Industrial Promotion Fund (FPI) plans to launch the production phase of its new digital system by the end of 2025, a key milestone in the public institution’s digital transformation.

The announcement was made by Zouheir Ben Ali, Director General of the Tunisian firm Système informatique de gestion automatisée (SIGA), after a meeting earlier this month with FPI Director General Hervé Claude Ntumba Batukonke in Kinshasa.

The initiative is central to the FPI’s reform agenda under its new leadership, which aims to digitalize all services. Upon taking office in August, Ntumba emphasized that technological modernization would be a core pillar of his management strategy. Full digital integration is also a priority in the FPI’s 2026-2028 plan, aimed at improving efficiency and transparency across its operations.

According to the SIGA Director General, two phases of the project, the study and system installation, have been completed. “We have started configuring the system with the departments, so we are now entering phase three,” Ben Ali said after his meeting with the FPI head.

Internal FPI sources said SIGA was selected following an international tender launched in July 2024 for the supply, installation, and implementation of an integrated management system (ERP). A year later, in July 2025, the institution announced it was close to finalizing the partnership, though details have not yet been disclosed.

SIGA develops customized integrated management and information systems for public and private institutions. According to its website, the company also designs large-scale, real-time interactive systems built on optimized databases and 4G technologies. The FPI noted that SIGA currently manages the IT systems for Tunisia’s national railway company, Tunisie Telecom, Tunisair, and several banks.

The FPI, a public financial institution, is mandated to promote local industry, strengthen the national production base, and support balanced industrial development. Its resources are used to finance industrial projects, support research and innovation, and develop economic infrastructure. According to data published on its official website, the FPI granted nearly $6.5 million in loans between April 2024 and May 2025 to six projects in sectors including pharmaceuticals, furniture, beverages, soap production, and printing.

Timothée Manoke

The Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP), the Guarantee Fund for Entrepreneurship in Congo (FOGEC), Rawbank, and Rawsur have launched a national financing program to support Congolese subcontractors in the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

Presented to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa on Oct. 6, 2025, the initiative aims to make it easier for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access financing so they can compete for contracts and deliver on them. Loan amounts will range from $10,000 to $1 million, depending on each company’s size and capacity, the Prime Minister’s office said.

Rawbank will provide the funding through its “$20,000 SMEs” program, which has a total budget of $200 million dedicated to integrating local SMEs into the value chains of major corporations. In July, Rawbank Director Rawji Mustafa said during a meeting with the ARSP that 8,000 SMEs had already benefited from the facility. The ARSP will now focus on helping finance the remaining 12,000 businesses, drawing on its market oversight expertise to identify credible SMEs and provide them with tailored support.

ARSP Director General Miguel Kashal said the initiative will not only finance SMEs but also ensure prompt payments by main contractors, helping to stimulate growth. “We will share the list of subcontractors who have won contracts with Rawbank,” Kashal said. “The goal is to help these entrepreneurs grow into major players, because it’s impossible to build strong businesses without support from the banks.”

FOGEC will guarantee the loans, reducing risk for Rawbank and boosting the financial sector’s confidence in local businesses. A monitoring system will also be set up to ensure that funds are properly managed and that the funded projects remain viable.

Ronsard Luabeya 

The Port of Boma, in southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), welcomed the container ship MV APALOS, operated by Maersk Congo, on Tuesday, October 8, 2025. It was the first commercial vessel to dock at the port in more than ten years, according to the Congolese News Agency (ACP).

The ship carried a large number of containers. Interim mayor Claudelle Phemba said the visit followed a July 8, 2025, meeting between the mayor’s office and Maersk Congo, during which the company confirmed plans to resume operations at the facility.

Maersk Congo said the move is part of its broader strategy to diversify logistics access points across the country, in response to growing demand for modern, efficient port infrastructure.

Separately, eight industrial fishing vessels built in Egypt by Pyrlant Shipyard are expected to dock at Boma before entering service.

The Maersk ship’s arrival and the upcoming delivery of the fishing boats could signal the start of a long-awaited revival at the Port of Boma, which has been largely idle for years.

BK

Alphamin Resources Ltd said it expects to produce between 18,000 and 18,500 tons of tin in 2025 at its Bisie mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The company raised its April forecast of 17,500 tons, according to an operational update published on October 8.

The operator initially planned to produce 20,000 tons in 2025. However, Alphamin cut its target earlier this year after halting operations in March because of rebel activity in eastern Congo.

The company reported a cumulative output of 13,566 tons in the first nine months of 2025. It expects to add around 5,000 tons in the fourth quarter, which would bring annual production to the new range of 18,000–18,500 tons.

“The Company expects to produce approximately 5,000 tons of contained tin during the final quarter of the financial year which, together with its year-to-date production of 13,566 tons, increases tin production guidance for FY2025 to between 18,000 and 18,500 tons (17,500 tons previously),” the company said in its update.

The Bisie mine produced 5,190 tons of tin in the third quarter, a 26% increase from the second quarter, which had been impacted by the temporary shutdown. The company attributed the rebound to “processing facilities continuing to deliver good results.”

Alphamin reported annual output of 17,324 tons in 2024. The company said final fourth-quarter results will determine whether the revised 2025 target is fully achieved.

The European Union (EU) announced on October 8 that it has allocated €1.8 million in humanitarian aid through its Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) to support efforts to contain a new Ebola outbreak in Kasai province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The funding forms part of the EU’s broader on-the-ground response. According to the EU delegation in the DRC, the assistance includes a specially equipped helicopter for medical evacuations and the delivery of essential supplies.

The EU has also set up temporary offices and accommodation in Bulape, the affected health zone, to house up to 36 health experts. In addition, two Norwegian specialists in medical evacuation and patient isolation will join the World Health Organization (WHO) response team through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

The Ebola resurgence was declared on September 4 by Health Minister Roger Kamba, after several cases were confirmed in Bulape. Officials say they are encouraged that the virus remains confined to the area, with no signs of spread to neighboring zones.

The Red Cross has launched a $25 million response plan aimed at 965,000 people over 12 weeks, including 23,200 directly affected individuals, patients, contacts, caregivers, and volunteers, and about 680,000 residents in at-risk areas.

In its October 5 update, the WHO reported a stabilizing trend, noting that no new confirmed or probable cases had been detected for ten days, a sign that transmission is coming under control.

Since the start of the resurgence, 64 cases have been reported (53 confirmed and 11 probable), resulting in 43 deaths, a fatality rate of 67.2%. Fifteen patients have recovered, while six remain hospitalized at the Ebola treatment center.

The WHO said that if no new cases appear and the remaining patients recover, the DRC could begin the 42-day countdown before officially declaring the outbreak over.

Timothée Manoke

The Electricity Sector Regulatory Authority (ARE) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced on October 7, 2025, that it had granted regulatory clearance on September 15 to Gujarat DRC SA for its planned solar power plant. The approval allows the Minister of Energy to sign the production license—the final step before construction can begin.

The project will be built in Fipango village, on the Kashamata site in Kipushi territory, Haut-Katanga province. It is being developed by Soleos Energy of India and Melci Holdings of the DRC, which formed the joint venture Gujarat DRC SA to carry out the project. The final ownership structure has not yet been made public.

While earlier reports mentioned a 200 MW plant, the ARE confirmed that the facility’s peak capacity will be 248 MWp (megawatt-peak)—the maximum output under ideal sunlight and temperature conditions. In practice, such plants operate below that level: a 248 MWp installation typically delivers an average of 40–50 MW of effective power in Africa.

According to ARE data, the project will supply electricity to about 70,000 households and create roughly 50 permanent and 500 temporary jobs. Early investor presentations projected completion by the end of 2025.

Four months ago, Tshimbalanga Madiba, General Manager of Melci Holdings and Deputy General Manager of Gujarat DRC SA, announced the imminent start of construction and said the plant would include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a 107 MWh capacity.

The power produced will be sold to the National Electricity Company (SNEL) under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Bhavesh Kumar Rathod, founder and director of Soleos Energy, described the tariff as “very advantageous,” without disclosing specifics. SNEL will handle power distribution to households and businesses.

The project also enjoys a dedicated transmission corridor and government guarantees—factors that have reinforced Soleos Energy’s confidence as it seeks to develop up to 1,000 MW of solar capacity in the DRC, covering roughly one-third of the country’s 3,000 MW electricity deficit, according to Minister Aimé Sakombi Molendo.

Timothée Manoke

Orange DRC has appointed Brutus Sadou Diakité as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 26, 2025. The company described the Malian executive’s appointment as “a strong signal of its ambition to lead the Congolese market.” He succeeds Ben Cheick D. Haïdara, who had led the operator since October 2020 and was recently promoted to Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer of Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA).

Orange currently ranks fourth out of five operators in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s telecom market. According to an ARPTC report published in August, the French operator generated $155.8 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2025, capturing a 28.2% market share. While ahead of Africell (3.6%), it still trails market leaders Airtel (36.1%) and Vodacom (32.1%)—a position it has held for several years.

In the mobile internet segment, which generates more than half of industry revenue, Orange continues to lose ground. Its market share fell by 1.2 points in Q1 2025 to 29.8%, while Airtel gained 2.8 points to reach 41.8%. The regulator attributed the shift to “users opting for better service quality.”

A similar trend is seen in the mobile money market, valued at over $100 million in Q1 2025. Orange Money fell by 0.62 points to 15.86%, while Vodacom’s M-Pesa maintained its lead at 43.7%, followed by Airtel Money at 39.93%, both slightly strengthening their positions.

To challenge the market leaders, Diakité must address the persistent issues of service quality and network reliability. Orange is betting on innovation, framing his appointment as “a strong signal of the company’s drive to accelerate innovation,” citing his digital expertise.

Diakité previously led Orange Digital Platforms, where he oversaw the rollout of the Maxit super-app, now counting 22 million active users. A longtime Orange Group executive with two decades of experience, he began his career in 2002 as a software engineer at Ikatel in Mali (now Orange Mali). He later became Deputy CEO in 2017 and subsequently CEO of Orange Guinea-Bissau. In 2023, he joined OMEA in Casablanca as Director of Orange Digital Platforms.

He holds degrees in both engineering and management: a master’s in computer engineering from Abdelmalek Essaâdi University in Tangier, an advanced master’s in telecommunications and computer science from Université Côte d’Azur, and a master’s in business management from Université Paris Panthéon-Sorbonne. He also holds two Executive MBAs, from IAE Paris–Sorbonne Business School and HEC Paris.

Timothée Manoke

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, John Banza, announced that repair work on the Gemena-Akula road will begin before the end of October to ease severe supply shortages that have crippled economic activity in South Ubangi province.

Banza said the government has already disbursed funds to repair both the Gemena-Akula and Ndongo roads.

The announcement followed his October 7 meeting with Senator Nadine Boboy, who urged the immediate repair of the two routes, warning that their poor condition was cutting off vital supplies to Gemena. She said the roads are now impassable for trucks, leaving passengers stranded overnight in the open. The return of seasonal rains has further worsened the situation, making traffic nearly impossible.

The 117-km Gemena-Akula road connects Gemena to the Akula river port, the main shipping point for agricultural goods headed to Kinshasa and other cities. Its repair is seen as essential to restore traffic flow and support local trade.

This latest pledge builds on earlier maintenance work launched in July by the National Road Maintenance Fund (FONER) on the same stretch. That project, financed at $681,829.96 and carried out by the Road Office, was scheduled to last 90 days, weather permitting. At the time, only 50% of the funds had been released, with the rest expected in the following weeks.

‎Ronsard Luabeya