Country Snapshot
| Population (2019, millions)¹ | 86.79 |
| Population Projections (2030, millions)¹ | 120.04 |
| Economically active population in agriculture (as % of Economically active population)¹², 2019 | 66.6 |
| Capital | Kinshasa |
| Surface Area (km²) | 2,344,860 |
| Weather¹¹ | In Kinshasa: Hottest months, March-April, 22-32°C; coldest month, July, 18-27°C; driest months, July-August, 3 mm average rainfall; wettest month, March, 221 mm average rainfall |
| Languages³ | Official: French – Lingua Franca Trade Language: Lingala – Others: Kingwana, Kikongo and Tshiluba |
| Main Religions³ | Main: Roman Catholic and Protestant – Others: Kimbanguist, Muslim, syncretic sects, indigenous beliefs and others |
| Time⁴ | West Africa Time (WAT) +0100 UTC (Western Region) and Central Africa Time (CAT) +0200 UTC (Eastern Region) |
| Driving Orientation⁵ | Right Side |
| Internet Country Code⁶ | .cd |
| Country Calling Code | +243 |
| Plug, Socket and Voltage⁷ | Type C, D and E – 220V/50Hz |
| Currency | Franc Congolese (FC) |
| Exchange Rate (As of 24th January 2019, per USD)⁸ | 1,631 |
| GDP at Market Prices (2018, current, billions of USD)⁹ | 47.22 |
| GDP Growth (2018, annual %)⁹ | 5.76 |
| Average GDP Growth (2014-2018, annual %)⁹ | 5.65 |
| GDP per Capita, PPP (2018, current international $)⁹ | 930.53 |
| Inflation, Consumer Prices (2016, annual %)⁹ | 2.88 |
| Average Inflation, Consumer Prices (2012-2016, annual %)⁹ | 3.08 |
| Total Reserves in Months of Imports (2018)⁹ | 0.40 |
Sources:
¹United Nations Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
²COMESA Statistics, COMESTAT Data Hub.
³CIA World Factbook.
⁴Time and Date Portal.
⁵Chartsbin Portal, “Worldwide Driving Orientation by Country”.
⁶Wikipedia, “List of Internet top-level domains”; and, Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, Root Zone Database.
⁷International Electrotechnical Commission, World Plugs.
⁸Banque Centrale du Congo.
⁹World Bank, World Development Indicators 2019.
¹¹Economist Intelligence Unit.
Reasons to Invest in DR Congo
- DR Congo is strategically located in the heart of Africa and bordered by nine neighbor countries; Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
- Privileged access to mega market (with at least 80 million consumers locally) and over 250 million consumers (including neighbouring countries), while it is the penetration of various sub-regional markets such as SADC, COMESA, CEEAC and CEPGL.
- Rare and strategic minerals sought by developed and emerging economies around the world, 120 million ha of arable land, abundant rainfall throughout the year, tens of thousands of rivers, half of the African equatorial forest, a sunshine standing over, over 100,000 MW of hydropower likely to be produced in many sites, and various tourist attractions.
- Political and economic stability.
- An increasingly attractive and competitive business climate.
Source: DR Congo National Agency for the Promotion of Investments – ANAPI.
Population
Population Projections (millions)
| Population (2019) | 86.79 |
| Population Projections (2030) | 120.04 |
Source: United Nations Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Population Residing in Urban Areas (%)
| Population Projections (2019) | 45.04 |
| Percentage of Population Residing in Urban Areas (2030) | 51.76 |
Source: United Nations Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Youth Literacy Rates (2017, %)
| Youth Literacy Rate, Population 15-24 Years, Both Sexes | 84.98 |
| Youth Literacy Rate, Population 15-24 Years, Female | 79.71 |
| Youth Literacy Rate, Population 15-24 Years, Male | 90.96 |
Source: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO Institute of Statistics.
Labour
Unemployment (2018, % of Total Labour Force, Modeled ILO Estimate)
| Unemployment, Total | 4.15 |
| Unemployment, Female | 3.28 |
| Unemployment, Male | 4.96 |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators 2019.
Labour Force (2017, % of Ages 15+, Modeled ILO Estimate)
| Labour Force Participation Rate, Total |
| Labour Force Participation Rate, Female |
| Labour Force Participation Rate, Male |
| Labour Force, Total (number) |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators 2019.
Economy Overview
GDP
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| GDP at Market Prices (current, billions of USD) | 35.90 | 37.91 | 37.13 | 38.01 | 47.22 |
| GDP Growth (annual %) | 9.47 | 6.91 | 2.39 | 3.37 | 5.76 |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators 2019.
Value Added by Sector (% of GDP)
| 2018 | 2019 | |
| Agriculture | 24.41 | 24.31 |
| Manufacturing | 21.97 | 22.39 |
| Industry | 52.51 | 52.37 |
| Services | 42.07 | 42.32 |
| Construction | 5.11 | 4.88 |
| Electricity, gas and water | 1.11 | 1.09 |
| Mining and quarrying | 24.33 | 24.00 |
| Education | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Finance | 9.40 | 9.54 |
| Public administration and Defense | 6.86 | 6.88 |
| Health and Social Work | 0.02 | 0.03 |
| Other services | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Transport, storage and communication | 12.79 | 12.78 |
| Wholesale and retail trade, hotels and restaurants | 13.95 | 14.07 |
Source: AFDB Socio Economic Database
Trade Profile
Import Partners (Imported Value, thousands, USD)
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| World | 7,480,024 | 12,496,438 | 5,185,188 | 5,439,099 | 7,410,300 |
| United States of America | 200,034 | 300,026 | 480,231 | 1,448,608 | 2,076,306 |
| China | 1,498,244 | 3,102,856 | 904,362 | 858,355 | 1,421,058 |
| South Africa | 1,366,444 | 1,965,396 | 601,298 | 649,219 | 907,596 |
| India | 242,815 | 710,180 | 361,415 | 272,402 | 317,900 |
| Zambia | 845,018 | 1,149,759 | 164,555 | 179,426 | 305,686 |
Source: International Trade Centre COMTRADE Statistics.
Export Partners (Exported Value, thousands, USD)
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| World | 6,175,378 | 10,554,232 | 7,065,305 | 11,750,936 | 18,990,587 |
| South Africa | 15,711 | 153,729 | 4,102,820 | 6,592,483 | 10,084,468 |
| China | 2,534,168 | 4,796,528 | 841,752 | 1,894,866 | 3,507,881 |
| United Arab Emirates | 321,953 | 798,689 | 1,343,352 | ||
| Tanzania | 742 | 1,130 | 747,030 | 405,799 | 1,254,043 |
| Zambia | 1,136,844 | 1,703,815 | 618,760 | 691,588 | 1,093,135 |
Source: International Trade Centre COMTRADE Statistics.
DR Congo’s Top Import Products (USD ‘000)
| Chapter | Description | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
| All products | 7,480,024 | 12,496,438 | 5,185,188 | 5,439,099 | 7,410,300 | |
| 49 | Books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans | 30,100 | 19,056 | 576,912 | 1,291,553 | 1,837,179 |
| 84 | Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof | 791,867 | 1,387,046 | 562,445 | 571,432 | 970,269 |
| 87 | Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof | 433,286 | 798,741 | 350,045 | 300,950 | 538,560 |
| 25 | Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering material, lime and cement | 254,422 | 359,443 | 338,509 | 304,573 | 455,541 |
| 28 | Inorganic chemicals: organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes | 327,986 | 251,864 | 151,938 | 203,897 | 401,655 |
Source: COMSTAT database
DR Congo’s Top Export Products (USD ‘000)
| Chapter | Description | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
| All products | 6,175,378 | 10,554,232 | 7,065,305 | 11,750,936 | 18,990,587 | |
| 28 | Inorganic chemicals: organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes | 46,346 | 547,053 | 1,718,420 | 4,771,241 | 9,978,620 |
| 74 | Copper and articles thereof | 2,353,473 | 5,435,742 | 4,217,176 | 5,205,307 | 6,730,723 |
| 26 | Ores, slag and ash | 1,606,781 | 2,018,871 | 849,660 | 1,471,977 | 1,837,240 |
| 71 | Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin | 187,615 | 407,722 | 22 | 33 | 217,998 |
| 44 | Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal | 123,739 | 206,285 | 35,493 | 37,763 | 47,358 |
Source: COMSTAT database
Investment Profile
FDI Inflows (millions of USD)
| Year | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| FDI Inflows | 1,204.7 | 1,340.2 | 1,616.8 | 1,488.1 | 1,646.9 |
Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, World Investment Report 2021
FDI Outflows (millions of USD)
| Year | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| FDI Outflows | 272.3 | 292.2 | 209.2 | 133.9 | 148.8 |
Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, World Investment Report 2021
FDI Inward Stock (millions of USD)
| Year | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| FDI Inward Stock | 21,186.8 | 22,527.0 | 24,143.8 | 25,631.9 | 27,278.8 |
Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, World Investment Report 2021
FDI Outward Stock (millions of USD)
| Year | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| FDI Outward Stock | 2,264.5 | 2,556.7 | 2,765.9 | 2,899.9 | 3,048.7 |
Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, World Investment Report 2021
FDI Inflows Main Source Countries (in terms of number of projects)
South Africa, China, Australia, Canada, India, United States, France, UK, Nigeria, and UAE.
Source: Financial Times, fDi Markets, 2018
FDI Inflows Main Sectors (in terms of number of projects)
Metals, Financial Services, Communications, Business Services, Coal, Oil and Natural Gas, Industrial Machinery, Equipment and Tools, Building and Construction Materials, Chemicals, Food and Tobacco, Real Estate.
Source: Financial Times, fDi Markets, 2018
FDI Inflows Main Companies (in terms of number of projects)
Banro, Anvil Mining, Ecobank Transnational, Atlas Copco, Vale (Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tiger Resources, Freeport McMoRan, Deloitte France, Airtel DRC.
Source: Financial Times, fDi Markets, 2018
Doing Business
Overall Doing Business Ranking
| 2020 | 183/190 |
| 2019 | 184/190 |
Source: World Bank, Doing Business, 2020
Starting a Business
| 2020 Rank | 45/190 |
| Procedures (number) | 4 |
| Time (days) | 7 |
| Cost (% of income per capita*) | 16.3 |
| Paid-in Minimum Capital (% of income per capita*) | 4.6 |
*GNI per capita used: USD 280
Source: World Bank, Doing Business, 2020
Paying Taxes
Paying Taxes
| 2020 Rank | 180/190 |
| Payments (number per year) | 52 |
| Time (hours per year) | 346 |
| Total Tax Rate (% of profit) | 50.7 |
| Profit Tax (% of profit) | 23.6 |
| Labor Tax and Contributions (% of profit) | 12.6 |
| Other Taxes (% of profit) | 14.5 |
Source: World Bank, Doing Business, 2020
Trading Across Borders
| 2020 Rank | 187/190 |
| Time to Export: Border Compliance (hours) | 296 |
| Cost to Export: Border Compliance (USD) | 2,223 |
| Time to Export: Documentary Compliance (hours) | 192 |
| Cost to Export: Documentary Compliance (USD) | 500 |
| Time to Import: Border Compliance (hours) | 336 |
| Cost to Import: Border Compliance (USD) | 3,039 |
| Time to Import: Documentary Compliance (hours) | 174 |
| Cost to Import: Documentary Compliance (USD) | 765 |
Assumptions
- It is assumed that shipment travels from a warehouse in the largest business city of the exporting economy to a warehouse in the largest business city of the importing economy.
- It is assumed that each economy imports a standardized shipment of 15 metric tons of containerized auto parts (HS 8708) from its natural import partner—the economy from which it imports the largest value (price times quantity) of auto parts. It is assumed that each economy exports the product of its comparative advantage (defined by the largest export value) to its natural export partner—the economy that is the largest purchaser of this product.
- A shipment is a unit of trade. Export shipments do not necessarily need to be containerized, while import shipments of auto parts are assumed to be containerized.
- Shipping cost based on weight is assumed to be greater than shipping cost based on volume.
- If government fees are determined by the value of the shipment, the value is assumed to be $50,000.
- The mode of transport is the one most widely used for the chosen export or import product and the trading partner, as is the seaport, airport or land border crossing.
- Time is measured in hours, and 1 day is 24 hours.
- Costs do not include tariffs.
Source: World Bank, Doing Business, 2020
Investment Regime
Legal Framework
investment Code – Law No. 004/2002 of 21st February 2002
Key guarantees in terms of investment protection include:
- Equal treatment to all national and foreign investors;
- Respect for the rights acquired by investors: no subsequent law or regulation can shake or restrict an advantage previously granted in a legal and regular manner to an investor;
- freedom to transfer abroad without any restrictions, revenues, dividends and other earnings from investments;
- For dispute settlement, investors can choose between using an internal institutional arbitrage or institutional arbitration under the rules established by the ICSID.
Source: DR Congo National Agency for the Promotion of Investments – ANAPI Online Portal.
Investment Incentives
Tax incentives
- Various incentives are available to qualifying companies, including mining companies. Incentives generally are in the form of reduced tax rates or an exemption.
- The ANAPI will ensure that the application is sent to the Minister of Finances and Planning for consideration and approval. Incentives granted under the New Investment Code are not available to foreign companies (branches) or, inter alia, to the following sectors: mining, oil, banking, insurance, commercial activities and armament industries. Any other investor can apply for incentives provided for in the code if they satisfy the following criteria:
- Be (or establish) a qualifying Congolese company
- Submit a license application to the ANAPI
- Pay the appropriate application fee between USD 500 & USD 1000
- Investment capital range between USD 10.000 to 200.000 for SMEs/SMIs and above USD 200.000 for larger corporation
- Commit to comply with environmental protection regulations
- Commit to train DRC personnel to obtain specialized technical skills and assume supervisory functions
- Guarantee a value-added rate of at least 35%
- The New Investment Code grants an exemption from taxes and duties for three years when qualifying investments are made in Kinshasa; four years for investments in Kongo central, Lubumbashi, Likasi and Kolwezi; and five years in the other provinces. The Code grants the following specific tax incentives and exemptions :
- Full exemption from corporate income tax
- Higher depreciation rates for investments in socio-economic infrastructure
- Exemption from the fixed and proportional duties for a joint- stock company at the time of constitution or on an increase in the approved capital and
- Exemption from the tax on land and buildings related to the approved investment project
- Export incentives
- Any approved investment that relates to the exportation of all or part of finished products that are processed or partially processed under conditions favourable for the balance of payments may benefit from an exemption from fees and taxes on exportation.
Source: DR Congo National Agency for the Promotion of Investments – ANAPI Online Portal.
Country Snapshot
| Population (2019, millions)¹ | 86.79 |
| Population Projections (2030, millions)¹ | 120.04 |
| Economically active population in agriculture (as % of Economically active population)¹², 2019 | 66.6 |
| Capital | Kinshasa |
| Surface Area (km²) | 2,344,860 |
| Weather¹¹ | In Kinshasa: Hottest months, March-April, 22-32°C; coldest month, July, 18-27°C; driest months, July-August, 3 mm average rainfall; wettest month, March, 221 mm average rainfall |
| Languages³ | Official: French – Lingua Franca Trade Language: Lingala – Others: Kingwana, Kikongo and Tshiluba |
| Main Religions³ | Main: Roman Catholic and Protestant – Others: Kimbanguist, Muslim, syncretic sects, indigenous beliefs and others |
| Time⁴ | West Africa Time (WAT) +0100 UTC (Western Region) and Central Africa Time (CAT) +0200 UTC (Eastern Region) |
| Driving Orientation⁵ | Right Side |
| Internet Country Code⁶ | .cd |
| Country Calling Code | +243 |
| Plug, Socket and Voltage⁷ | Type C, D and E – 220V/50Hz |
| Currency | Franc Congolese (FC) |
| Exchange Rate (As of 24th January 2019, per USD)⁸ | 1,631 |
| GDP at Market Prices (2018, current, billions of USD)⁹ | 47.22 |
| GDP Growth (2018, annual %)⁹ | 5.76 |
| Average GDP Growth (2014-2018, annual %)⁹ | 5.65 |
| GDP per Capita, PPP (2018, current international $)⁹ | 930.53 |
| Inflation, Consumer Prices (2016, annual %)⁹ | 2.88 |
| Average Inflation, Consumer Prices (2012-2016, annual %)⁹ | 3.08 |
| Total Reserves in Months of Imports (2018)⁹ | 0.40 |
Sources:
¹United Nations Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
²COMESA Statistics, COMESTAT Data Hub.
³CIA World Factbook.
⁴Time and Date Portal.
⁵Chartsbin Portal, “Worldwide Driving Orientation by Country”.
⁶Wikipedia, “List of Internet top-level domains”; and, Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, Root Zone Database.
⁷International Electrotechnical Commission, World Plugs.
⁸Banque Centrale du Congo.
⁹World Bank, World Development Indicators 2019.
¹¹Economist Intelligence Unit.
Reasons to Invest in DR Congo
- DR Congo is strategically located in the heart of Africa and bordered by nine neighbor countries; Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
- Privileged access to mega market (with at least 80 million consumers locally) and over 250 million consumers (including neighbouring countries), while it is the penetration of various sub-regional markets such as SADC, COMESA, CEEAC and CEPGL.
- Rare and strategic minerals sought by developed and emerging economies around the world, 120 million ha of arable land, abundant rainfall throughout the year, tens of thousands of rivers, half of the African equatorial forest, a sunshine standing over, over 100,000 MW of hydropower likely to be produced in many sites, and various tourist attractions.
- Political and economic stability.
- An increasingly attractive and competitive business climate.
Source: DR Congo National Agency for the Promotion of Investments – ANAPI.
Population
Population Projections (millions)
| Population (2019) | 86.79 |
| Population Projections (2030) | 120.04 |
Source: United Nations Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Population Residing in Urban Areas (%)
| Population Projections (2019) | 45.04 |
| Percentage of Population Residing in Urban Areas (2030) | 51.76 |
Source: United Nations Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Youth Literacy Rates (2017, %)
| Youth Literacy Rate, Population 15-24 Years, Both Sexes | 84.98 |
| Youth Literacy Rate, Population 15-24 Years, Female | 79.71 |
| Youth Literacy Rate, Population 15-24 Years, Male | 90.96 |
Source: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO Institute of Statistics.
Labour
Unemployment (2018, % of Total Labour Force, Modeled ILO Estimate)
| Unemployment, Total | 4.15 |
| Unemployment, Female | 3.28 |
| Unemployment, Male | 4.96 |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators 2019.
Labour Force (2017, % of Ages 15+, Modeled ILO Estimate)
| Labour Force Participation Rate, Total |
| Labour Force Participation Rate, Female |
| Labour Force Participation Rate, Male |
| Labour Force, Total (number) |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators 2019.
Economy Overview
GDP
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| GDP at Market Prices (current, billions of USD) | 35.90 | 37.91 | 37.13 | 38.01 | 47.22 |
| GDP Growth (annual %) | 9.47 | 6.91 | 2.39 | 3.37 | 5.76 |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators 2019.
Value Added by Sector (% of GDP)
| 2018 | 2019 | |
| Agriculture | 24.41 | 24.31 |
| Manufacturing | 21.97 | 22.39 |
| Industry | 52.51 | 52.37 |
| Services | 42.07 | 42.32 |
| Construction | 5.11 | 4.88 |
| Electricity, gas and water | 1.11 | 1.09 |
| Mining and quarrying | 24.33 | 24.00 |
| Education | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Finance | 9.40 | 9.54 |
| Public administration and Defense | 6.86 | 6.88 |
| Health and Social Work | 0.02 | 0.03 |
| Other services | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Transport, storage and communication | 12.79 | 12.78 |
| Wholesale and retail trade, hotels and restaurants | 13.95 | 14.07 |
Source: AFDB Socio Economic Database
Trade Profile
Import Partners (Imported Value, thousands, USD)
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| World | 7,480,024 | 12,496,438 | 5,185,188 | 5,439,099 | 7,410,300 |
| United States of America | 200,034 | 300,026 | 480,231 | 1,448,608 | 2,076,306 |
| China | 1,498,244 | 3,102,856 | 904,362 | 858,355 | 1,421,058 |
| South Africa | 1,366,444 | 1,965,396 | 601,298 | 649,219 | 907,596 |
| India | 242,815 | 710,180 | 361,415 | 272,402 | 317,900 |
| Zambia | 845,018 | 1,149,759 | 164,555 | 179,426 | 305,686 |
Source: International Trade Centre COMTRADE Statistics.
Export Partners (Exported Value, thousands, USD)
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| World | 6,175,378 | 10,554,232 | 7,065,305 | 11,750,936 | 18,990,587 |
| South Africa | 15,711 | 153,729 | 4,102,820 | 6,592,483 | 10,084,468 |
| China | 2,534,168 | 4,796,528 | 841,752 | 1,894,866 | 3,507,881 |
| United Arab Emirates | 321,953 | 798,689 | 1,343,352 | ||
| Tanzania | 742 | 1,130 | 747,030 | 405,799 | 1,254,043 |
| Zambia | 1,136,844 | 1,703,815 | 618,760 | 691,588 | 1,093,135 |
Source: International Trade Centre COMTRADE Statistics.
DR Congo’s Top Import Products (USD ‘000)
| Chapter | Description | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
| All products | 7,480,024 | 12,496,438 | 5,185,188 | 5,439,099 | 7,410,300 | |
| 49 | Books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans | 30,100 | 19,056 | 576,912 | 1,291,553 | 1,837,179 |
| 84 | Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof | 791,867 | 1,387,046 | 562,445 | 571,432 | 970,269 |
| 87 | Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof | 433,286 | 798,741 | 350,045 | 300,950 | 538,560 |
| 25 | Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering material, lime and cement | 254,422 | 359,443 | 338,509 | 304,573 | 455,541 |
| 28 | Inorganic chemicals: organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes | 327,986 | 251,864 | 151,938 | 203,897 | 401,655 |
Source: COMSTAT database
DR Congo’s Top Export Products (USD ‘000)
| Chapter | Description | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
| All products | 6,175,378 | 10,554,232 | 7,065,305 | 11,750,936 | 18,990,587 | |
| 28 | Inorganic chemicals: organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes | 46,346 | 547,053 | 1,718,420 | 4,771,241 | 9,978,620 |
| 74 | Copper and articles thereof | 2,353,473 | 5,435,742 | 4,217,176 | 5,205,307 | 6,730,723 |
| 26 | Ores, slag and ash | 1,606,781 | 2,018,871 | 849,660 | 1,471,977 | 1,837,240 |
| 71 | Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin | 187,615 | 407,722 | 22 | 33 | 217,998 |
| 44 | Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal | 123,739 | 206,285 | 35,493 | 37,763 | 47,358 |
Source: COMSTAT database
Investment Profile
FDI Inflows (millions of USD)
| Year | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| FDI Inflows | 1,204.7 | 1,340.2 | 1,616.8 | 1,488.1 | 1,646.9 |
Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, World Investment Report 2021
FDI Outflows (millions of USD)
| Year | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| FDI Outflows | 272.3 | 292.2 | 209.2 | 133.9 | 148.8 |
Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, World Investment Report 2021
FDI Inward Stock (millions of USD)
| Year | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| FDI Inward Stock | 21,186.8 | 22,527.0 | 24,143.8 | 25,631.9 | 27,278.8 |
Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, World Investment Report 2021
FDI Outward Stock (millions of USD)
| Year | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| FDI Outward Stock | 2,264.5 | 2,556.7 | 2,765.9 | 2,899.9 | 3,048.7 |
Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, World Investment Report 2021
FDI Inflows Main Source Countries (in terms of number of projects)
South Africa, China, Australia, Canada, India, United States, France, UK, Nigeria, and UAE.
Source: Financial Times, fDi Markets, 2018
FDI Inflows Main Sectors (in terms of number of projects)
Metals, Financial Services, Communications, Business Services, Coal, Oil and Natural Gas, Industrial Machinery, Equipment and Tools, Building and Construction Materials, Chemicals, Food and Tobacco, Real Estate.
Source: Financial Times, fDi Markets, 2018
FDI Inflows Main Companies (in terms of number of projects)
Banro, Anvil Mining, Ecobank Transnational, Atlas Copco, Vale (Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tiger Resources, Freeport McMoRan, Deloitte France, Airtel DRC.
Source: Financial Times, fDi Markets, 2018
Doing Business
Overall Doing Business Ranking
| 2020 | 183/190 |
| 2019 | 184/190 |
Source: World Bank, Doing Business, 2020
Starting a Business
| 2020 Rank | 45/190 |
| Procedures (number) | 4 |
| Time (days) | 7 |
| Cost (% of income per capita*) | 16.3 |
| Paid-in Minimum Capital (% of income per capita*) | 4.6 |
*GNI per capita used: USD 280
Source: World Bank, Doing Business, 2020
Paying Taxes
Paying Taxes
| 2020 Rank | 180/190 |
| Payments (number per year) | 52 |
| Time (hours per year) | 346 |
| Total Tax Rate (% of profit) | 50.7 |
| Profit Tax (% of profit) | 23.6 |
| Labor Tax and Contributions (% of profit) | 12.6 |
| Other Taxes (% of profit) | 14.5 |
Source: World Bank, Doing Business, 2020
Trading Across Borders
| 2020 Rank | 187/190 |
| Time to Export: Border Compliance (hours) | 296 |
| Cost to Export: Border Compliance (USD) | 2,223 |
| Time to Export: Documentary Compliance (hours) | 192 |
| Cost to Export: Documentary Compliance (USD) | 500 |
| Time to Import: Border Compliance (hours) | 336 |
| Cost to Import: Border Compliance (USD) | 3,039 |
| Time to Import: Documentary Compliance (hours) | 174 |
| Cost to Import: Documentary Compliance (USD) | 765 |
Assumptions
- It is assumed that shipment travels from a warehouse in the largest business city of the exporting economy to a warehouse in the largest business city of the importing economy.
- It is assumed that each economy imports a standardized shipment of 15 metric tons of containerized auto parts (HS 8708) from its natural import partner—the economy from which it imports the largest value (price times quantity) of auto parts. It is assumed that each economy exports the product of its comparative advantage (defined by the largest export value) to its natural export partner—the economy that is the largest purchaser of this product.
- A shipment is a unit of trade. Export shipments do not necessarily need to be containerized, while import shipments of auto parts are assumed to be containerized.
- Shipping cost based on weight is assumed to be greater than shipping cost based on volume.
- If government fees are determined by the value of the shipment, the value is assumed to be $50,000.
- The mode of transport is the one most widely used for the chosen export or import product and the trading partner, as is the seaport, airport or land border crossing.
- Time is measured in hours, and 1 day is 24 hours.
- Costs do not include tariffs.
Source: World Bank, Doing Business, 2020
Investment Regime
Legal Framework
investment Code – Law No. 004/2002 of 21st February 2002
Key guarantees in terms of investment protection include:
- Equal treatment to all national and foreign investors;
- Respect for the rights acquired by investors: no subsequent law or regulation can shake or restrict an advantage previously granted in a legal and regular manner to an investor;
- freedom to transfer abroad without any restrictions, revenues, dividends and other earnings from investments;
- For dispute settlement, investors can choose between using an internal institutional arbitrage or institutional arbitration under the rules established by the ICSID.
Source: DR Congo National Agency for the Promotion of Investments – ANAPI Online Portal.
Investment Incentives
Tax incentives
- Various incentives are available to qualifying companies, including mining companies. Incentives generally are in the form of reduced tax rates or an exemption.
- The ANAPI will ensure that the application is sent to the Minister of Finances and Planning for consideration and approval. Incentives granted under the New Investment Code are not available to foreign companies (branches) or, inter alia, to the following sectors: mining, oil, banking, insurance, commercial activities and armament industries. Any other investor can apply for incentives provided for in the code if they satisfy the following criteria:
- Be (or establish) a qualifying Congolese company
- Submit a license application to the ANAPI
- Pay the appropriate application fee between USD 500 & USD 1000
- Investment capital range between USD 10.000 to 200.000 for SMEs/SMIs and above USD 200.000 for larger corporation
- Commit to comply with environmental protection regulations
- Commit to train DRC personnel to obtain specialized technical skills and assume supervisory functions
- Guarantee a value-added rate of at least 35%
- The New Investment Code grants an exemption from taxes and duties for three years when qualifying investments are made in Kinshasa; four years for investments in Kongo central, Lubumbashi, Likasi and Kolwezi; and five years in the other provinces. The Code grants the following specific tax incentives and exemptions :
- Full exemption from corporate income tax
- Higher depreciation rates for investments in socio-economic infrastructure
- Exemption from the fixed and proportional duties for a joint- stock company at the time of constitution or on an increase in the approved capital and
- Exemption from the tax on land and buildings related to the approved investment project
- Export incentives
- Any approved investment that relates to the exportation of all or part of finished products that are processed or partially processed under conditions favourable for the balance of payments may benefit from an exemption from fees and taxes on exportation.
Source: DR Congo National Agency for the Promotion of Investments – ANAPI Online Portal.