The Democratic Republic of Congo's private-sector subcontracting regulator has moved to strengthen oversight of job creation in the industry. A decision signed on May 29, 2026, by then-Director General Miguel Kashal Katemb requires all registered subcontracting firms to report the jobs created under their contracts.

The measure is part of the implementation of Law No. 17/001 of Feb. 8, 2017, which governs subcontracting in the private sector. Under the decision, companies registered with the Authority for the Regulation of Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP) must submit data on workers hired since receiving their registration certificate.

The information must be submitted through the authority's digital platform or any other officially recognised channel. The aim is to develop reliable indicators on the subcontracting sector's contribution to job creation while promoting the use of national labour and local employment.

The move is significant because the subcontracting market remains heavily concentrated in mining. By value, more than 90% of declared contracts originate from the mining sector, which generates relatively few direct jobs relative to the sums involved. The market has also contracted: after reaching $2.456 billion in 2024, the total declared value of contracts fell to $1.713 billion in 2025, a decline of about 30.2%.

The decision also establishes a permanent mechanism for updating workforce data. Subcontractors will be required to notify the ARSP of any changes to their workforce, including new hires, departures and changes in workers' contractual status.

For each contract awarded, the companies concerned must simultaneously submit to both the ARSP and the principal company a list of workers assigned to the execution of that contract.

The rules also place obligations on principal companies. They will be responsible for ensuring that their subcontractors comply with the reporting requirements and that the required information is duly submitted to the authority.

The ARSP reserves the right to conduct checks and audits to verify the accuracy of the data reported. Companies found in breach of the rules face administrative sanctions under existing regulations, including the possible withdrawal of their ARSP registration certificate.

Ronsard Luabeya