DRC Appoints New CEO to Lead National Economic Council
May 2, 2025
Trade Facts & Figures
102M
Population
A large, youthful population fueling innovation and digital growth
$64B
GDP
Estimated national GDP (World Bank, 2023)
2.34M km²
Land Area
Africa’s second-largest country by area with rich natural resources
Why Trade in DRC
World-Class Mineral Exporter
The DRC is a leading global producer of cobalt and a major producer of copper, diamonds, gold, tin, tantalum (coltan), and tungsten, offering immense opportunities for trade in raw and semi-processed minerals.
Strategic Central African Location
Bordering nine countries, the DRC serves as a potentially massive market and a crucial trade link between Southern, Eastern, and Central Africa, with access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Vast Agricultural Potential
With an estimated 80 million hectares of arable land and diverse climatic zones, the DRC has enormous potential for large-scale agricultural exports, including coffee, cocoa, palm oil, rubber, sugar, and timber, though currently underexploited.
Significant Hydropower Resources
The Congo River offers unparalleled hydropower potential, notably the Grand Inga Dam project, which could power much of the continent and support energy-intensive industries for export.
Membership in Multiple Regional Blocs
The DRC is a member of SADC, COMESA, ECCAS, the East African Community (EAC), and the AfCFTA, providing extensive preferential access to a vast African market.
Large and Growing Domestic Market
A population exceeding 100 million presents a substantial and growing consumer market, which also drives import demand for various goods and services.
Government Efforts to Improve Trade Environment
The DRC government, through agencies like the National Agency for Investment Promotion (ANAPI) and GUICE (Single Window for Foreign Trade), is undertaking reforms to facilitate trade and improve the business climate.
Developing Infrastructure Corridors
While infrastructure is a challenge, efforts are underway to develop key transport corridors, including roads, railways, and river transport, to improve internal and external trade logistics.
DRC Trade News
DRC Signs New Regional Trade Agreements to Boost Commerce
May 5, 2025
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Exports from DRC Show Significant Growth in Q1 2025
April 30, 2025
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Major Investments Announced to Improve Trade Infrastructure in DRC
April 26, 2025
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New Trade Finance Programs Support DRC Small Businesses
April 20, 2025
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Unlock The Potential Of The DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo offers vast natural resources and a rapidly growing market with immense potential for businesses involved in international trade. By taking advantage of the FTA benefits and regional economic initiatives, businesses can grow their footprint, improve competitiveness, and support the sustainable development of the region.
Investment Facts & Figures
$1.6 Billion
FDI Inflows
Annual foreign direct investment into DRC (2023)
6.7%
GDP Growth
Projected economic growth rate for DRC (2023–2025)
62%
Young Population
Percentage of population under 25 years old in DRC
Why Invest in The DRC
Unparalleled Mineral Resources
The DRC holds globally significant reserves of cobalt (essential for EV batteries), copper, diamonds, gold, coltan, tin, lithium, and many other minerals, making it a prime destination for mining investment.
Immense Hydropower Potential (Grand Inga Project)
The Congo River has the potential to generate over 100,000 MW of hydropower, with the Grand Inga site alone capable of producing around 44,000 MW, offering transformative energy opportunities for the continent.
Vast Untapped Agricultural Land
With 80 million hectares of arable land, diverse agro-ecological zones, and abundant water, the DRC has the potential to become a major food producer and exporter, offering opportunities in large-scale farming and agro-processing.
Large and Growing Consumer Market
A population of over 100 million, with a high proportion of young people, represents a substantial and rapidly growing domestic market for goods and services.
Strategic Infrastructure Development Needs and Opportunities
Massive investments are required in transport (roads, rail, ports, river navigation), energy (generation, transmission, distribution), water, and urban infrastructure, creating significant opportunities for investors and PPPs.
Developing Forestry Sector
The DRC has the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world, offering potential for sustainable forestry management, timber processing, and carbon credit projects, though requiring responsible and sustainable practices.
Government Commitment to Attracting Investment
The National Agency for Investment Promotion (ANAPI) is dedicated to facilitating investment, and the government has been working on improving the legal and regulatory framework, including adherence to OHADA (Organisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa).
Emerging Manufacturing and Services Sector
Opportunities are growing in import substitution manufacturing (food processing, beverages, construction materials, light assembly) and services (telecommunications, banking, logistics, tourism) to cater to the large domestic market.
Key Investment Sectors in The DRC
Mining (Cobalt, Copper, Gold, Diamonds, Coltan, Lithium, etc.)
World-leading producer of cobalt, major copper and diamond exporter. Significant deposits of gold, coltan, tin, tungsten, lithium, and manganese. Exploration, extraction, processing, and value addition.
Energy (Hydropower, Solar, Biomass)
Vast hydropower potential (Inga dams). Growing interest in solar for off-grid and utility-scale, biomass. Opportunities in generation, transmission, and distribution.
Agriculture & Agribusiness
Coffee, cocoa, palm oil, rubber, sugar, cassava, maize, rice, timber. Potential for large-scale commercial farming, agro-processing, livestock, and fisheries.
Infrastructure (Transport, Construction, ICT)
Roads, railways, river ports (Matadi, Boma, Kinshasa), airports. Urban development, housing. Telecommunications infrastructure (fiber optics, mobile towers).
Manufacturing
Food processing, beverages, brewing, cement, construction materials, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and assembly. Special Economic Zones (e.g., Maluku SEZ) aim to boost this sector.
Forestry & Environment
Sustainable logging, timber processing, reforestation, carbon credit projects, and conservation. Requires strict adherence to environmental and social governance.
Tourism (Developing)
Unique biodiversity (Virunga, Garamba, Salonga, Kahuzi-Biega National Parks – home to mountain gorillas, okapis, etc.), Congo River expeditions, cultural heritage. Requires peace, security, and infrastructure development.
Investment Incentives and Support(Facilitated by ANAPI and specific zone regimes)
These incentives support regional development, integration, and competitiveness across Southern Africa in alignment with Malawi's economic cooperation goals.
Tax & Customs Incentives (As per Investment Code & SEZ regulations)
- Exemptions from import duties on machinery, equipment, and inputs. Tax holidays or reduced corporate income tax rates for eligible projects, particularly in SEZs or priority sectors. VAT exemptions. Accelerated depreciation.
Financial & Operational Support
- Access to land, particularly within designated Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Facilitation of work permits for expatriate staff. Guarantees against expropriation. Right to repatriate profits and capital (subject to regulations).
Business Support & Facilitation
- ANAPI as the primary agency for investment promotion, registration, and facilitation. Assistance with obtaining licenses and permits. Support for navigating administrative procedures. GUICE for trade facilitation.
Success Stories
Illustrative examples given the scale of the economy; focus on potential and established niches
Major Copper and Cobalt Mining Operations
Several large international mining companies operate significant copper and cobalt mines in the Katanga region, making the DRC a critical global supplier of these strategic minerals.
Telecommunications Sector Growth
The mobile telecommunications market has seen substantial growth with multiple operators investing heavily in network expansion and services, driving connectivity across the country.
Hydropower Development (Existing & Planned)
Existing Inga I and Inga II dams contribute significantly to the power supply, with ongoing efforts and international interest in developing the larger Grand Inga project.
Investment News
Kinshasa Hosts Regional Summit on Innovation and the Green Economy
April 29, 2025
DRC Leads Cross-Border Trade Talks with Angola and Zambia
April 25, 2025
Strategic Mineral Development Zones Identified Across DRC
April 23, 2025
Technology Facts & Figures
The DRC's technology sector is rapidly emerging, driven by a large, youthful population and increasing mobile connectivity. Kinshasa and Lubumbashi are key centres for tech activity. While challenges in infrastructure exist, the potential for leapfrogging with digital solutions is immense. The government has a National Digital Plan (Plan National du Numérique Horizon 2025) to guide this transformation.
23%
Internet Penetration
Population with Internet Access (2023)
52%
Mobile Subscription
Active mobile users in DRC (2023)
17
Tech Hubs
Innovation & startup centers across the country
3.1%
ICT Contribution
To DRC’s GDP (2023 est.)
5
Key Tech Sectors
Including Fintech, eLearning, AgriTech, HealthTech, E-commerce
0.7%
Fixed Broadband
Estimated household penetration (2023)
Technology Sectors in The DRC
Telecommunications & ICT Infrastructure
Mobile network operators are expanding 3G, 4G, and exploring 5G coverage. Investment in fibre optic backbones, data centres, and last-mile connectivity is critical. Satellite services also play a role in remote areas.
FinTech & Digital Payments
Mobile money is a key driver of financial inclusion in a largely unbanked population. Payment gateways, digital lending, and insurtech are emerging, with significant room for growth.
AgriTech & Resource Management
Technology can revolutionise agriculture through mobile advisory services, climate data, supply chain traceability (especially for commodities like coffee and cocoa), and precision farming techniques. Similar applications exist for sustainable forestry and fisheries.
MiningTech & Supply Chain Transparency
Technology is crucial for optimising mining operations, enhancing safety, and improving transparency in mineral supply chains (e.g., blockchain for traceability of cobalt and coltan).
HealthTech & Digital Health
Given the healthcare challenges, HealthTech offers significant potential through telemedicine, electronic health records, disease surveillance systems, and logistics for medical supplies.
EdTech (Education Technology)
Digital learning platforms, online educational content, and teacher training tools are vital for improving access to and quality of education across the vast country.
E-Government Services & CivicTech
Digitisation of public services (registrations, permits, tax collection) aims to improve efficiency, reduce corruption, and enhance citizen engagement.
LogisticsTech & E-Commerce
Technology can help overcome logistical challenges for e-commerce, transport management, and supply chain efficiency, particularly given the DRC's size and infrastructure gaps.
Renewable EnergyTech & Smart Grids
Technology is key for managing and distributing power from large hydro projects and integrating smaller-scale renewable sources like solar. Smart metering and off-grid solutions are vital.
Leading Technology Hubs & Initiatives
Kinshasa: The Capital and Primary Tech Hub
As the largest city and economic centre, Kinshasa hosts the majority of tech startups, innovation hubs (e.g., Ingenious City, Kobo Hub, Silikin Village), co-working spaces, tech events, and has the highest concentration of developers and venture capital interest.
Lubumbashi: Mining Region Tech & Innovation Focus
As the capital of the Haut-Katanga province and a major mining centre, Lubumbashi has a growing tech scene, often with solutions tailored to the mining industry, logistics, and regional economic needs. Some incubators and tech training centres are present.
Goma: Emerging Hub with a Focus on Social Impact & Connectivity
Located in Eastern DRC, Goma has seen the rise of tech initiatives and hubs (e.g., KivuTech Hub) often focused on social impact, peacebuilding, and leveraging technology to address local challenges, including connectivity in a complex environment.
Bukavu: Developing Tech Scene
Similar to Goma, Bukavu in South Kivu is also developing a local tech ecosystem with a focus on community solutions and digital skills.
National Digital Plan & Regulatory Framework
The government's "Plan National du Numérique Horizon 2025" and efforts by the Regulatory Authority for Post and Telecommunications (ARPTC) aim to create a more favourable environment for ICT development, investment in digital infrastructure, and digital skills enhancement.
University Programs & Tech Training Centres
Universities in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and other cities, along with specialised tech training centres, are increasingly focusing on developing ICT skills to meet the growing demand from the tech sector.
The DRC Technology News
DRC Plans First National AI and Innovation Hub in Kinshasa
May 5, 2025
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Feasibility Study for 5G Rollout Underway in Major DRC Cities
April 30, 2025
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Digital Skills Initiative Targets DRC Youth to Drive Innovation
April 26, 2025
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Fintech Startups Expand Mobile Money Access in DRC
April 20, 2025
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Unlock the Potential of the DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) presents vast opportunities in digital transformation, powered by one of Africa’s largest and youngest populations. With rising mobile connectivity, a growing startup ecosystem in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, and a government-backed National Digital Plan, the DRC is positioning itself to leapfrog legacy infrastructure. Key areas for innovation include fintech, e-health, education technology, and digital public services. Now is the time to invest in a rapidly emerging tech frontier.
Contact Us
Ezekiel Mukanga
1 Mulholland Drive, Chisipite
Harare, Zimbabwe