The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is positioned as a strategic and essential destination for investment in Central Africa. Its potential is considered colossal, based on so-called critical mineral reserves due to their rarity and importance for several industries, including telecommunications (cobalt, copper, gold), and a vast market of over 100 million inhabitants. Despite a perception of high risk, the country also offers untapped agricultural potential. Vice Prime Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba highlighted the strength of foreign investment flows. According to him, the DRC has attracted an average of $2 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) per year over the past twenty years. The government, via ANAPI (National Agency for the Promotion of Investments), aims to attract investments in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and digitalization.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is reaffirmed as a strategic destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Central Africa. Its economic potential is colossal, based on major natural assets and a population of over 100 million. Investors are primarily attracted by its strategic mineral reserves (cobalt, copper, gold) and its untapped agricultural potential. Despite the perception of high risk, the country offers unique opportunities. Speaking on the economic situation, Vice Prime Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba emphasized the resilience of investment flows, even in a difficult context.
“Despite extremely difficult starting conditions, macroeconomic balances have been maintained, and foreign direct investment has remained constant. We have recorded nearly $2 billion in foreign direct investment each year over the past two decades. The regulatory framework to promote investment has been revised. Several sectors of the economy have been liberalized, including the electricity sector.”
The Vice Prime Minister also highlighted the DRC’s macroeconomic performance, demonstrating its ability to withstand global shocks:
“Over the past 20 years, we have recorded some of the highest GDP growth rates in Africa, and this has been regular and consistent. The only two years where we saw a dip in the growth rate were in 2008. That was the global subprime crisis. It was also in 2020, but that was the major crisis due to COVID-19.”
The government, through the National Agency for the Promotion of Investments (ANAPI), has clearly targeted priority sectors: infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and digitalization. To support this ambition, reform work has been carried out, notably on the Investment Code, to ensure stability and fiscal incentives.