DR Congo's Ministry of National Economy now requires foreign operators in 10 retail trade activities to obtain prior non-objection approval, known by the French acronym ANO, before starting operations. The requirement carries minimum capital thresholds ranging from $250,000 to $1 million, depending on the business segment. Applications must be submitted through the ministry's official website at economie.gouv.cd/ano.

The measure follows the April 28, 2026 signing of three inter-ministerial orders governing small trade and retail commerce in the Democratic Republic of Congo. One of the orders defines the capital-intensive retail activities open to foreign investors.

According to information published by the Ministry of National Economy, the regulated activities are grouped into three categories based on required investment levels.

Category C covers arts, sports and cultural activities, including amusement parks; specialized retail in jewelry and luxury goods; bookstores; and sporting and leisure goods stores. It also includes retail of pharmaceutical and medical products, fuel stations, transport and related services, with the exception of taxis.

Category B applies to specialized retail in household appliances and electronic equipment, as well as restaurant activities.

Category A covers retail of new motor vehicles, motorcycles and spare parts; accommodation activities; and hypermarkets and supermarkets.

The ministry said foreign operators already present in the Congolese market will also be required to comply with the new provisions by bringing their operations into compliance with the new rules.

Through the reform, the Congolese government said it aims to strengthen oversight of the retail and small trade sectors, which it wants to reserve primarily for domestic operators, while still allowing foreign investors to operate in activities requiring substantial investment.

Timothée Manoke & Ronsard Luabeya