News (564)
The TALO price-control app is scheduled to begin its rollout in November across several cities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The announcement was made on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, by Minister of National Economy Daniel Mukoko Samba during an interview on Kinshasa-based Top Congo FM.
The minister said the first phase will cover seven major cities, with six more to follow by year-end. The goal is to enable real-time tracking of prices for food and other staple consumer goods.
Developed by young Congolese professionals, TALO was unveiled by Minister Mukoko Samba on January 14, 2025. Designed to modernize the economic inspection service, the app helps field agents collect data more efficiently and increases transparency in business practices for consumers.
In Kinshasa, where the application is already in use, TALO has replaced manual price reporting. Agents now record data on their phones at market sites and send it directly to a central database. According to Jocelyne Mayungu Bwanga, head of the Kinshasa-East office at the Ministry of National Economy, the switch to digital data collection has significantly reduced processing times.
The ministry posts monthly reports on its official website summarizing the data. The latest report, for July, showed that weekly price tracking in Kinshasa covered 39 staple consumer products, 183 brands, and 62 types of traders across 16 markets, including Central, Gambela, Zigida, and Liberté.
Price differences of up to 40% were sometimes observed for the same product between different outlets. To identify the underlying causes, the ministry has commissioned a Congolese consulting firm to conduct a study. One preliminary finding points to two main supply routes: goods entering through the Lufu border with Angola tend to be cheaper than those coming via Matadi port.
By expanding TALO to the provinces, the Ministry of National Economy aims to strengthen its nationwide price-monitoring and regulatory capacity. The ultimate goal is to curb market speculation and protect consumers’ purchasing power.
Timothée Manoke
The Strategic Mineral Substances Markets Regulation and Control Authority (Arecoms) finalized the practical terms for implementing the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) new cobalt export quota policy on October 10, 2025. The policy was first announced on September 20.
The quotas, approved by the Arecoms Board, allocate export volumes for the last quarter of 2025 to 21 companies.
China's CMOC Group, the world's largest cobalt producer, was granted 6,500 tons,4,250 tons for its Kisanfu Mining (KM) subsidiary, and 2,250 tons for Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM). This total represents nearly 36% of the global volume allocated. Glencore follows with 3,925 tons, split between 2,775 tons for Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) and 1,150 tons for Mutanda Mining (MUMI). Combined, the two foreign giants capture 58% of the available quotas.
This dominance is rooted in the allocation formula. The Arecoms document specifies that "the base quota is distributed pro rata based on the historical quantities exported between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024." Exemptions were made for the state-owned Entreprise générale du cobalt (EGC) and the Société du Terril de Lubumbashi (STL), which were allotted 1,175 tons and 300 tons, respectively. During the 2022-2024 period, CMOC and Glencore controlled nearly 60% of total Congolese cobalt exports.
CMOC, whose primary shareholder is Chinese battery maker CATL, has not yet officially responded to the decision. However, the allocation poses a major challenge for the group, which relies heavily on Congolese cobalt to meet surging demand in China. Its metal trading subsidiary, IXM, already declared force majeure on June 30 due to the initial Congolese export embargo imposed in February 2025.
Despite the export suspension, CMOC maintained its operational pace in the DRC, extracting 61,073 tons in the first half of 2025 and projecting a full-year output of 100,000 to 120,000 tons. With only 6,500 tons authorized for the fourth quarter of 2025 and an estimated 31,200 tons for 2026 (based on the December quota being rolled over), the company will only be able to sell a small fraction of its production. Over two years, its total authorized exports would likely be capped at 37,700 tons, falling far short of its annual capacity.
Even if CMOC were to secure the entirety of the 9,600 tons set aside for "strategic quotas" in 2026, a volume reserved for projects deemed "of national importance" and allocated at Arecoms’ sole discretion,the situation would remain critical for the company.
Enforcement and Market Risk
CMOC also risks having its quotas revoked entirely. Sanctions are prescribed against any company that processes mining tailings or concentrates obtained from unauthorized third parties or artisanal miners, sells its quota to another firm, fails to export the allocated volumes, or violates existing laws.
While the export embargo is scheduled to end on October 15, the resumption of shipments could still face delays. To obtain an export certificate, operators are now required to present proof of prepayment of the mining royalty, validation of their available quota, a traceability certificate issued by Arecoms, and an environmental and fiscal compliance certificate.
Since the imposition of the embargo, the price of cobalt has more than doubled. On October 12, 2025, a tonne of cobalt was trading at $42,725 on the London Metal Exchange, compared to just $21,000 at the end of February.
Pierre Mukoko
African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re) inaugurated an office in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on October 9.
According to Africa Re Chairman Moustapha Coulibaly, the new office aims to support local insurance companies in covering major risks and to offer solutions tailored for strategic sectors such as mining, energy, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Coulibaly also emphasized Africa Re's commitment to assisting the Insurance Regulation and Control Authority (Arca) in modernizing the regulatory framework, which is crucial for strengthening the credibility and attractiveness of the Congolese insurance market.
The opening of this office will allow the pan-African reinsurer to work more closely with its local partners to improve the retention of premiums nationally. Losses related to placing premiums abroad and the non-collection of value-added tax (VAT) were estimated at approximately $1.5 billion in 2023, according to Arca.
In accordance with a November 29, 2019, circular from Arca, Congolese insurance companies were already obligated to cede at least 5% of their reinsurance treaties to Africa Re. Building on this relationship, Arca and Africa Re launched the Reinsurance Facility in March 2024, a collective mechanism allowing companies in the same market to pool their risks and strengthen their financial capacity against claims.
This mechanism aims to "provide the DRC with greater national reinsurance capacity and better control over insurance and reinsurance operations, particularly in the oil, gas, mining sectors, and against political violence risks." It also serves to limit the outsourcing of insurance for companies where at least 75% of the risks are located in the DRC, aligning with Arca’s requirements.
Established in 1976 by the African Union and the African Development Bank, Africa Re is a pan-African reinsurance institution dedicated to enhancing the sector's capacity across the continent. In 2024, the company reported $1.21 billion in gross written premiums, representing a 9.73% increase over 2023. Its network now includes 11 offices across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, comprising various subsidiaries and regional offices. In the DRC, Africa Re becomes the second reinsurance player in the market, following the entry of reinsurer Zep-Re.
Ronsard Luabeya
After its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on October 7, the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) announced a sharp easing of its monetary policy. The benchmark interest rate, which determines the cost at which commercial banks borrow from the central bank, was cut from 25% to 17.5%. The marginal lending facility rate, applied for urgent liquidity needs, was lowered from 30% to 21.5%.
This technical adjustment, the largest since 2021, aims to make financing in Congolese francs (FC) cheaper for commercial banks and, in turn, for the state, businesses, and households. It could encourage lending to economic actors and increase the supply of francs in circulation.
Although not stated explicitly, the BCC’s measures are part of a strategy to restore the role of the franc in domestic transactions and reduce structural dependence on the U.S. dollar, which accounts for over 90% of payments. This is the main objective set by Governor André Wameso since taking office in July.
Behind this monetary goal lies a broader question of sovereignty. Dollar dominance limits the authorities’ ability to manage liquidity and control financial flows. Excessive reliance also exposes the economy to unilateral U.S. decisions, such as potential restrictions on dollar imports. By promoting the use of the Congolese franc, the BCC seeks to reduce external vulnerability and strengthen internal stability as economic fundamentals improve.
According to the MPC, inflation fell from 15.1% in September 2024 to 7.8% a year later, while the national currency appreciated by about 11.6% on the official market and 7.8% on the parallel market, trading at around 2,549 and 2,659 FC per dollar, respectively. For 2026, the BCC forecasts inflation at 6.8%, a more stable exchange rate, and “robust” economic growth.
A Risky Bet
However, the impact of these measures will depend on confidence in the local currency. An increase in the supply of francs without corresponding demand could weaken stability and trigger renewed depreciation.
The DRC’s heavy reliance on imports also poses a major risk. By the end of July 2025, imports had risen by nearly 6%, increasing the need for foreign currency, while exports fell by about 18%, mainly due to suspended cobalt sales. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the faster outflow of foreign currency now represents one of the main risks to maintaining adequate reserves.
Aware of these threats, the BCC said it is ready “to respond in case of a reversal.” To strengthen stability, it plans to absorb excess liquidity by implementing, from October 15, the second stage of the exchange rate adjustment applied to reserve requirements, which has remained fixed at 1,999 FC per dollar since 2021. The governor noted that the first adjustment helped support the franc by withdrawing the equivalent of 371 billion FC from the market.
At the same time, the BCC is encouraging businesses to conduct transactions in francs, while the government plans to collect part of its taxes in the local currency. The rate cut is also expected to help the Treasury refinance domestic debt at lower costs, easing the interest burden on public finances.
The Industrial Promotion Fund (FPI) plans to launch the production phase of its new digital system by the end of 2025, a key milestone in the public institution’s digital transformation.
The announcement was made by Zouheir Ben Ali, Director General of the Tunisian firm Système informatique de gestion automatisée (SIGA), after a meeting earlier this month with FPI Director General Hervé Claude Ntumba Batukonke in Kinshasa.
The initiative is central to the FPI’s reform agenda under its new leadership, which aims to digitalize all services. Upon taking office in August, Ntumba emphasized that technological modernization would be a core pillar of his management strategy. Full digital integration is also a priority in the FPI’s 2026-2028 plan, aimed at improving efficiency and transparency across its operations.
According to the SIGA Director General, two phases of the project, the study and system installation, have been completed. “We have started configuring the system with the departments, so we are now entering phase three,” Ben Ali said after his meeting with the FPI head.
Internal FPI sources said SIGA was selected following an international tender launched in July 2024 for the supply, installation, and implementation of an integrated management system (ERP). A year later, in July 2025, the institution announced it was close to finalizing the partnership, though details have not yet been disclosed.
SIGA develops customized integrated management and information systems for public and private institutions. According to its website, the company also designs large-scale, real-time interactive systems built on optimized databases and 4G technologies. The FPI noted that SIGA currently manages the IT systems for Tunisia’s national railway company, Tunisie Telecom, Tunisair, and several banks.
The FPI, a public financial institution, is mandated to promote local industry, strengthen the national production base, and support balanced industrial development. Its resources are used to finance industrial projects, support research and innovation, and develop economic infrastructure. According to data published on its official website, the FPI granted nearly $6.5 million in loans between April 2024 and May 2025 to six projects in sectors including pharmaceuticals, furniture, beverages, soap production, and printing.
Timothée Manoke
The Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP), the Guarantee Fund for Entrepreneurship in Congo (FOGEC), Rawbank, and Rawsur have launched a national financing program to support Congolese subcontractors in the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
Presented to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa on Oct. 6, 2025, the initiative aims to make it easier for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access financing so they can compete for contracts and deliver on them. Loan amounts will range from $10,000 to $1 million, depending on each company’s size and capacity, the Prime Minister’s office said.
Rawbank will provide the funding through its “$20,000 SMEs” program, which has a total budget of $200 million dedicated to integrating local SMEs into the value chains of major corporations. In July, Rawbank Director Rawji Mustafa said during a meeting with the ARSP that 8,000 SMEs had already benefited from the facility. The ARSP will now focus on helping finance the remaining 12,000 businesses, drawing on its market oversight expertise to identify credible SMEs and provide them with tailored support.
ARSP Director General Miguel Kashal said the initiative will not only finance SMEs but also ensure prompt payments by main contractors, helping to stimulate growth. “We will share the list of subcontractors who have won contracts with Rawbank,” Kashal said. “The goal is to help these entrepreneurs grow into major players, because it’s impossible to build strong businesses without support from the banks.”
FOGEC will guarantee the loans, reducing risk for Rawbank and boosting the financial sector’s confidence in local businesses. A monitoring system will also be set up to ensure that funds are properly managed and that the funded projects remain viable.
Ronsard Luabeya
Congolese mining company Compagnie minière Orient industrielle (Comoi-Sarl) has accused Ding Sheng SARL, a Chinese-owned firm, of illegally operating on three of its gold concessions in Mambasa territory, Ituri province.
In a complaint reported by the ACP news agency, Comoi-Sarl claims that Ding Sheng SARL is operating without authorization on its concessions, in breach of the national Mining Code. In its official complaint to the head of the General Inspectorate of Mines (IGM) in Kinshasa, Comoi-Sarl said it is the sole holder of research permits No. 16133, 16188, and 16325, all properly registered and validated by the mining authorities.
The company has requested that the IGM immediately suspend Ding Sheng SARL’s operations, seize its equipment, and order $10 million in damages for losses incurred.
According to ACP, an inspection team from the provincial mines division in Ituri confirmed the presence of Ding Sheng SARL’s operations on the disputed sites, supporting Comoi-Sarl’s allegations. The case has been referred to local authorities for follow-up, including the head of the Congolese National Police’s economic and financial crimes unit in Ituri, the Mambasa territory administrator, and the local mining office chief.
The incident follows a similar crackdown on Oct. 5, when Chinese nationals were arrested for illegal mining at a Kibali Gold concession in Haut-Uélé. That operation, led by Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba, resulted in the seizure of equipment and the immediate closure of the site.
Ronsard Luabeya
The Port of Boma, in southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), welcomed the container ship MV APALOS, operated by Maersk Congo, on Tuesday, October 8, 2025. It was the first commercial vessel to dock at the port in more than ten years, according to the Congolese News Agency (ACP).
The ship carried a large number of containers. Interim mayor Claudelle Phemba said the visit followed a July 8, 2025, meeting between the mayor’s office and Maersk Congo, during which the company confirmed plans to resume operations at the facility.
Maersk Congo said the move is part of its broader strategy to diversify logistics access points across the country, in response to growing demand for modern, efficient port infrastructure.
Separately, eight industrial fishing vessels built in Egypt by Pyrlant Shipyard are expected to dock at Boma before entering service.
The Maersk ship’s arrival and the upcoming delivery of the fishing boats could signal the start of a long-awaited revival at the Port of Boma, which has been largely idle for years.
BK
Alphamin Resources Ltd said it expects to produce between 18,000 and 18,500 tons of tin in 2025 at its Bisie mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The company raised its April forecast of 17,500 tons, according to an operational update published on October 8.
The operator initially planned to produce 20,000 tons in 2025. However, Alphamin cut its target earlier this year after halting operations in March because of rebel activity in eastern Congo.
The company reported a cumulative output of 13,566 tons in the first nine months of 2025. It expects to add around 5,000 tons in the fourth quarter, which would bring annual production to the new range of 18,000–18,500 tons.
“The Company expects to produce approximately 5,000 tons of contained tin during the final quarter of the financial year which, together with its year-to-date production of 13,566 tons, increases tin production guidance for FY2025 to between 18,000 and 18,500 tons (17,500 tons previously),” the company said in its update.
The Bisie mine produced 5,190 tons of tin in the third quarter, a 26% increase from the second quarter, which had been impacted by the temporary shutdown. The company attributed the rebound to “processing facilities continuing to deliver good results.”
Alphamin reported annual output of 17,324 tons in 2024. The company said final fourth-quarter results will determine whether the revised 2025 target is fully achieved.
The European Union (EU) announced on October 8 that it has allocated €1.8 million in humanitarian aid through its Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) to support efforts to contain a new Ebola outbreak in Kasai province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The funding forms part of the EU’s broader on-the-ground response. According to the EU delegation in the DRC, the assistance includes a specially equipped helicopter for medical evacuations and the delivery of essential supplies.
The EU has also set up temporary offices and accommodation in Bulape, the affected health zone, to house up to 36 health experts. In addition, two Norwegian specialists in medical evacuation and patient isolation will join the World Health Organization (WHO) response team through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
The Ebola resurgence was declared on September 4 by Health Minister Roger Kamba, after several cases were confirmed in Bulape. Officials say they are encouraged that the virus remains confined to the area, with no signs of spread to neighboring zones.
The Red Cross has launched a $25 million response plan aimed at 965,000 people over 12 weeks, including 23,200 directly affected individuals, patients, contacts, caregivers, and volunteers, and about 680,000 residents in at-risk areas.
In its October 5 update, the WHO reported a stabilizing trend, noting that no new confirmed or probable cases had been detected for ten days, a sign that transmission is coming under control.
Since the start of the resurgence, 64 cases have been reported (53 confirmed and 11 probable), resulting in 43 deaths, a fatality rate of 67.2%. Fifteen patients have recovered, while six remain hospitalized at the Ebola treatment center.
The WHO said that if no new cases appear and the remaining patients recover, the DRC could begin the 42-day countdown before officially declaring the outbreak over.
Timothée Manoke
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The Electricity Sector Regulatory Authority (ARE) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced on October 7, 2025, that it had granted regulatory clearance on September 15 to Gujarat DRC SA for its planned solar power plant. The approval allows the Minister of Energy to sign the production license—the final step before construction can begin.
The project will be built in Fipango village, on the Kashamata site in Kipushi territory, Haut-Katanga province. It is being developed by Soleos Energy of India and Melci Holdings of the DRC, which formed the joint venture Gujarat DRC SA to carry out the project. The final ownership structure has not yet been made public.
While earlier reports mentioned a 200 MW plant, the ARE confirmed that the facility’s peak capacity will be 248 MWp (megawatt-peak)—the maximum output under ideal sunlight and temperature conditions. In practice, such plants operate below that level: a 248 MWp installation typically delivers an average of 40–50 MW of effective power in Africa.
According to ARE data, the project will supply electricity to about 70,000 households and create roughly 50 permanent and 500 temporary jobs. Early investor presentations projected completion by the end of 2025.
Four months ago, Tshimbalanga Madiba, General Manager of Melci Holdings and Deputy General Manager of Gujarat DRC SA, announced the imminent start of construction and said the plant would include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a 107 MWh capacity.
The power produced will be sold to the National Electricity Company (SNEL) under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Bhavesh Kumar Rathod, founder and director of Soleos Energy, described the tariff as “very advantageous,” without disclosing specifics. SNEL will handle power distribution to households and businesses.
The project also enjoys a dedicated transmission corridor and government guarantees—factors that have reinforced Soleos Energy’s confidence as it seeks to develop up to 1,000 MW of solar capacity in the DRC, covering roughly one-third of the country’s 3,000 MW electricity deficit, according to Minister Aimé Sakombi Molendo.
Timothée Manoke
• The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) plans to invest $1 billion in public funds and secure an additional $500 million from international partners to implement its new five-year digital strategy.
• The plan aims to transform the DRC into a regional digital hub by 2030, with a focus on AI, connectivity, and digital inclusion.
• The country’s first national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy will include the creation of a Congolese AI academy to train young talent and foster innovation.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched the drafting process for its National Digital Plan 2026–2030 (PNN2) and its first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the Ministry of Digital Economy said on Wednesday.
Minister Augustin Kibassa Maliba announced the initiative, which aims to position the DRC as a regional digital hub by 2030.
“This is about capturing the dividends of digital transformation and positioning our country — rich in critical minerals essential to the digital and energy transitions — as both an investment catalyst and a provider of solutions to global challenges,” Kibassa said.
The new plan will rest on four main pillars: infrastructure and connectivity development, creation of digital public platforms and services, human capital enhancement and digital inclusion, and strengthening of cybersecurity and digital trust.
It will also integrate five cross-cutting axes — digital entrepreneurship, innovation, technological sovereignty, artificial intelligence, and strategic partnerships — to ensure coherence across policy areas.
To support this roadmap, the government plans to invest $1 billion in public funds over five years, complemented by $500 million in external financing already secured from international partners.
As part of the AI strategy, authorities will establish a Congolese Artificial Intelligence Academy to train young professionals, promote applied research, and stimulate local innovation.
This initiative follows the National Digital Plan “Horizon 2025”, launched in 2019, which achieved about 60% of its objectives. The first plan laid the groundwork for the digital economy through improvements in fiber-optic connectivity, regional integration projects such as CAB5, and the introduction of e-government tools like online tax portals and customs modernization via a single window system.
Ongoing projects include the digitization of civil registration and the establishment of a national digital ID system.
With PNN2, Kinshasa seeks to consolidate these achievements and accelerate its digital transformation. A GSMA report presented last month estimated that digital technologies could contribute 9.8 trillion Congolese francs (about $3.6 billion) to the economy by 2029, provided that fiscal and regulatory reforms advance.
The same report suggested that digital adoption could unlock 8.6 trillion FC in additional economic value across mining, agriculture, and public services.
Through this new strategy, the DRC aims to strengthen its technology ecosystem, create thousands of skilled jobs, and attract more investment in high-growth digital sectors.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya, Agence Ecofin
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Ten illegal gold mining sites have reportedly been identified inside the concessions of Kibali Gold Mines, a subsidiary of Canada’s Barrick Gold, in Haut-Uélé province.
The finding was announced on October 5, 2025, after an inspection led by Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba, joined by the provincial governor and security officials.
The Kibali concessions, covering about 1,836 square kilometers in the Moto goldfields of Watsa territory, are among ten permits held by the company. Officials say these areas are regularly invaded by illegal artisanal and semi-industrial miners.
At Barrick Gold’s 50th annual conference in 2023, CEO Mark Bristow had already warned about the rise of illegal mining in parts of Haut-Uélé, citing the involvement of foreign operators, mainly of Asian origin.
During the minister’s visit, several Chinese nationals were caught mining inside one of the concessions. They were carrying out open-pit artisanal and semi-industrial operations using heavy machinery and employing Congolese workers in unsafe conditions, in violation of the Mining Code.
Provincial authorities and security forces dismantled the network. The minister ordered the arrest of those involved, the seizure of equipment, and the closure of the site. He denounced the illegal exploitation of national resources by foreign operators.
The scale of Kibali Gold’s losses is still unclear. However, during a meeting with the Mines Minister on September 18, 2025, industry representatives called encroachment on mining concessions the “most critical problem.” The Federation of Enterprises of Congo (FEC) estimates that the phenomenon has already cost at least one mining company more than $3 billion through illegal extraction.
Ronsard Luabeya
• The 200 MW Nzilo 2 hydropower plant in Lualaba province targets a 2029 commissioning.
• Lualaba Power Group leads the project, financed by MES and CMOC.
• The plant will include a solar component to ensure stable power supply.
Aimé Sakombi Molendo, Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity, inspected the Nzilo 2 hydropower plant construction site in Lualaba province on October 4, 2025. The site is located approximately 60 kilometers from Kolwezi.
Lualaba Power Group spearheads this project, aiming to alleviate the energy deficit in the mining province. Industrial expansion rapidly increases electricity demand in the region.
Mohamed Badri, a corporate advisor for Lualaba Power Group, stated that work remains in the preparatory phase. This phase includes constructing access roads and a river diversion tunnel. The plant expects commissioning by early 2029.
Nzilo 2 will feature an installed capacity of 200 MW, equipped with four 50 MW turbines. The project also incorporates a solar component, designed to complement hydropower generation. This integration aims to ensure a stable power supply for both mining industries and local populations.
The overall cost exceeds $470 million. Mining Engineering Services (MES) and China Molybdenum Company Limited (CMOC) jointly finance the project under a partnership signed in May 2024. Named the Heshima project, this partnership covers full financing through construction completion. Lualaba Power, a joint venture between MES and the National Electricity Company (SNEL), obtained its independent power producer license in 2023.
Minister Aimé Sakombi Molendo emphasized his visit's role in monitoring priority government energy projects. He stated, "Projects visited on this tour total nearly 1,000 MW, against a national deficit estimated at 3,000 MW. If we manage to cover a third of this deficit, pending the large Inga project, it would already be a significant step forward."
This article was initially published in French by Ronsard Luabeya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum