Advans Congo will soon open a new branch in Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of Congo's second-largest city by population and economic importance. Located at Kenya Market, the branch is expected to open in the coming days.

The building that will house the branch is nearly complete, Jean-Luc Nzoubou, Advans Congo's chief executive officer, observed during a site visit on June 19, 2026.

The opening is part of the microfinance institution's expansion plan in the Greater Katanga region. It follows the launch of branches in Lubumbashi and Kolwezi in the fourth quarter of 2024 and marks another step in the lender's push into one of the country's most economically strategic regions.

Further expansion could follow in Likasi or Fungurume. In the two mining towns, located about 120 kilometers and 200 kilometers respectively from Lubumbashi, Advans Congo already serves clients through teams deployed from its Lubumbashi branch. The teams work with entrepreneurs, traders and individuals while gauging local demand ahead of a potential branch opening, according to Hermann Foko, the institution's marketing and commercial director.

Growth Drivers

Plans appear to be further along in Likasi, the third-largest city in Greater Katanga and a major economic hub. Several job postings published by Advans Congo in recent months for customer relationship officer positions list the city among the targeted locations.

The regional expansion follows strong results from the Lubumbashi and Kolwezi branches since their launch. In its 2025 Pillar III report, Advans Congo said the two branches had recorded significant growth, supported by robust economic activity in mining and commercial areas and rising demand for financial services tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises, traders and individuals.

"Their gradual contribution to Advans Congo's business and operational performance confirms the relevance of the institution's geographic expansion strategy toward high-potential economic centers," the report said.

According to Hermann Foko, Lubumbashi and Kolwezi accounted for 24% of the institution's net banking income, making them key drivers of its growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Focus on Mining Contractors

Growth potential remains significant, particularly because these results were achieved largely outside the mining sector, the region's main economic activity. The provinces of Haut-Katanga and Lualaba host the country's principal copper and cobalt production sites, linked to the Democratic Republic of Congo's two leading export commodities.

To strengthen its presence in the mining economy, Advans Congo is developing a dedicated strategy. The plan includes designing credit products adapted to the operating cycles of mining contractors, as well as services aimed at helping local communities manage the mandatory allocation of 0.3% of mining companies' revenue.

As part of that effort, the microfinance institution participated for the first time in DRC Mining Week, the Democratic Republic of Congo's leading annual mining industry event, held from June 17 to June 19, 2026. The event marked its 21st edition.

The participation reflects Advans Congo's effort to better understand the financial needs generated by the Greater Katanga mining ecosystem, beyond its traditional customer base of SMEs, traders and individuals.

Pierre Mukoko & Timothée Manoke