Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba has instructed the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI) to extend the moratorium on enforcing the tax clearance certificate until Dec. 31, 2025, according to members of the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC).

The directive, dated Oct. 9, 2025, gives companies more time to comply but applies only to specific operations defined in an earlier July 25 order.

Fwamba made clear that no further extension will be granted beyond Dec. 31, requiring all affected firms to bring their tax affairs into compliance. The decision has drawn concern from the private sector, which says the government had previously pledged to engage in talks with business groups to clarify and improve the system.

At a Council of Ministers meeting on Sept. 12, President Félix Tshisekedi criticized some tax clearance procedures as “disproportionate given their impact on economic activity.” He asked the Prime Minister to work with the Finance Ministry, DGI, and business leaders to review the process.

On Sept. 25, Fwamba met with the FEC, announcing plans for a standing dialogue forum and a National Fiscal Mediation Commission to foster transparency and inclusive tax reform.

Under a Finance Ministry decree issued on April 9, 2025, the clearance must be granted within 10 days of application; after that, it is automatically approved if no response is issued. Companies say this rule is rarely observed, citing lengthy delays.

Another unresolved issue concerns who must present the clearance during customs operations, the goods owner or the clearing agent.

The reform aims to improve compliance in a country where fiscal discipline remains weak. The DRC’s tax-to-GDP ratio is below 15%, compared with a sub-Saharan African average of 23%, according to the OECD.

Timothée Manoke