The Central Bank of Congo (BCC) has reminded money transfer operators in the Democratic Republic of Congo of their obligation to allow clients to carry out fund transfers in the national currency. The reminder followed a meeting held on December 16, 2025, chaired by BCC Governor André Wameso with executives of the financial messaging firms.

While noting that exchange regulations allow transactions to settle in foreign currencies by mutual agreement, the central bank stressed that no provision authorizes operators to refuse transactions in the national currency. The Congolese franc, the BCC said, holds constitutional status as the official currency of the country.

According to the central bank, several money transfer firms continue to limit access to transfers in Congolese francs, forcing customers to send and receive funds in foreign currencies. Data presented during the meeting showed that more than 80% of domestic transfers, as well as all international transfers handled by these firms, currently settle in foreign currencies.

The BCC said this practice runs counter to the policy direction set by Governor Wameso. Appointed in July, the former economic adviser to President Félix Tshisekedi has made the restoration of confidence in the Congolese franc and a reduction in dependence on the U.S. dollar central priorities of his mandate. The central bank added that wider use of the Congolese franc for transfers, including by the diaspora, would help strengthen foreign exchange reserves and support monetary stability.

In response, the BCC called on transfer operators to guarantee customers the freedom to choose the currency of their transactions, whether the Congolese franc or a foreign currency, in line with existing regulations. It also urged firms to systematically integrate options for sending and receiving funds in Congolese francs across their applications and operational systems.

Ronsard Luabeya