Highlights

• Congo’s General Strategic Reserve (RSG) sells corn flour at 35,000 CF per 25kg bag, below market price
• Operation covers four Kinshasa markets, with rollout planned for Kongo Central
• RSG says stock is “large” and could influence market prices

The General Strategic Reserve (RSG), a department of the Congolese presidency, has begun selling corn flour in Kinshasa at 35,000 Congolese francs ($13.20) per 25 kg bag, undercutting current market prices of 40,000 to 63,000 francs.

The operation is taking place at the Gambela, Matete, Bayaka, and Kapela markets, the RSG said in a statement. It will soon extend to Kongo Central province at the same price.

The RSG, which also supports local producers, rolls out such interventions on a seasonal basis to counter price spikes or disruptions caused by crises and natural disasters.

Created by presidential decree, the RSG manages stocks of essential goods to prevent shortages, stabilize prices, and support food security. It said its flour reserves are “large, even unlimited”, and could influence market dynamics in the capital.

Timothée Manoke, intern