La Société africaine de réassurance (Africa Re) a inauguré, le 9 octobre, un bureau à Kinshasa, en République démocratique du Congo (RDC). Selon Moustapha Coulibaly, président du conseil d’administration d’Africa Re, cette implantation vise à soutenir les compagnies d’assurance locales dans la couverture des risques majeurs et à leur offrir des solutions adaptées aux secteurs stratégiques tels que les mines, l’énergie, les infrastructures et l’agriculture.

Moustapha Coulibaly a également souligné la volonté d’Africa Re d’accompagner l’Autorité de régulation et de contrôle des assurances (Arca) dans la modernisation du cadre réglementaire, un levier essentiel pour renforcer la crédibilité et l’attractivité du marché congolais des assurances.

L’ouverture de ce bureau permet au réassureur panafricain de se rapprocher de ses partenaires locaux afin d’améliorer la rétention des primes au niveau national. Les pertes liées au placement des primes à l’étranger et à la non-perception de la taxe sur la valeur ajoutée (TVA) sont estimées à environ 1,5 milliard de dollars, selon l’Arca en 2023.

Conformément à une circulaire de l’Arca du 29 novembre 2019, les compagnies d’assurance congolaises étaient déjà tenues de céder au moins 5 % de leurs traités de réassurance à Africa Re. Dans la même dynamique, l’Arca et Africa Re avaient lancé en mars 2024 la Facilité de réassurance, un mécanisme collectif permettant aux compagnies d’un même marché de mutualiser leurs risques et de renforcer leur capacité financière face aux sinistres.

Ce dispositif vise à « doter la RDC d’une plus grande capacité de réassurance nationale et d’un meilleur contrôle des opérations d’assurance et de réassurance, notamment dans les secteurs pétrolier, gazier, minier et face aux risques liés aux violences politiques ». Il permet également de limiter l’externalisation des assurances pour les entreprises dont au moins 75 % des risques sont localisés en RDC, conformément aux exigences de l’Arca.

Créée en 1976 par l’Union africaine et la Banque africaine de développement, Africa Re est une institution panafricaine de réassurance dont la mission est de renforcer la capacité du secteur sur le continent. En 2024, elle a enregistré 1,21 milliard de dollars de primes brutes souscrites, en hausse de 9,73 % par rapport à 2023. Son réseau compte 11 implantations réparties entre l’Afrique, le Moyen-Orient, l’Asie et l’Amérique latine, comprenant plusieurs filiales et bureaux régionaux. En RDC, Africa Re devient le deuxième acteur du marché de la réassurance après l’installation du réassureur Zep-Re.

Ronsard Luabeya

Lire aussi :

Réforme des assurances: la RDC fait marche arrière, après l’adoption d’un projet de loi

RDC-Chine: une coopération se met en place contre l’évasion des primes d’assurance

Assurance : un marché en croissance en RDC, projeté à plus d’un milliard $ d’ici 10 ans 

The first meeting between the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC) and the Minister of Finance, Doudou Fwamba, took place on September 25, 2025, at the Financial Center of Kinshasa. According to the FEC’s report, the employers’ organization, led by Robert Malumba, presented several concerns aimed at improving the business climate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The FEC emphasized the need to renew the moratorium on the fiscal clearance certificate, which expired on September 25, 2025. This measure had been introduced to facilitate certain economic transactions, such as opening bank accounts, granting loans, and signing contracts, while assessing the implementation of the standardized invoice reform. The organization considers a temporary renewal of the moratorium essential to prevent new disruptions in business operations.

The private sector also raised tax-related issues, particularly excise duties on products such as sulfuric acid, beer, and tobacco. The FEC recommended reducing these taxes and denounced the application of deforestation tax to agricultural land. It also highlighted difficulties faced by local industries in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and called for clarifications to ensure these mechanisms genuinely support domestic production.

The meeting also addressed the allocation of dividends from mining companies. The FEC urged that their use for state benefit be aligned with governance standards, including holding general meetings.

Other topics discussed included the reimbursement of value-added tax (VAT) credits and the need to harmonize national and provincial tax policies. The FEC called for clear alignment to make the tax system predictable and consistent across the country.

In response, Minister Doudou Fwamba announced the creation of a permanent consultation framework with the FEC and the upcoming establishment of a National Fiscal Mediation Commission. This new body will handle disputes between the state and taxpayers, promote dialogue, enhance transparency, and support an inclusive tax reform.

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