President Felix Tshisekedi has instructed the government to design a system to register vehicles immediately after customs clearance. The directive was issued during the 72nd ordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers on Dec. 26.

Tshisekedi said the measure aims to end recurrent shortages of license plates and strengthen the registration process for imported vehicles. He noted that persistent shortages have led many owners to drive without proper plates or to use unauthorized temporary plates.

This situation makes it harder to identify vehicles involved in offenses, accidents or criminal acts, he said. It also results in revenue losses for the state and undermines administrative oversight in the transport sector.

An initial modernization of the vehicle registration system was launched by the finance ministry in February 2024. The reform introduced an online application process, allowing applicants to submit documents and pay fees through the Directorate General of Taxes without visiting offices in person. It also provided for the free issuance of “cartes roses” (pink cards), the official vehicle registration certificates.

Following this reform, Tshisekedi has asked Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba to propose a secure system ensuring traceability, transparency and fraud prevention. A detailed report outlining concrete proposals, an implementation timetable and clear lines of responsibility is expected in the second half of January 2026.

Boaz Kabeya