Doing Business in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Market Overview

The DRC’s rich endowment of natural resources, large population size, strategic location in Central Africa, and re-engagement with donors reflect key opportunities for US companies.

Following decades of economic collapse due to economic mismanagement, corruption and conflict, the GDRC has undertaken economic reforms since 2001 aimed at stabilizing the macroeconomic environment and promoting economic growth. At the same time, the DRC’s investment climate highly challenging (see Market Challenges).

The DRC experienced a significant economic slowdown in late 2008 and throughout 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis. Improved international prices for key commodities, the provision of emergency international financial assistance in early 2009, and appropriate government monetary and fiscal policies have help stabilize the economy and improve economic growth. GDP growth is expected to double from 2.7% in 2009 to 5.4% in 2010.

The DRC’s primary sectors have traditionally been agriculture and natural resources. Both sectors collapsed in the 1990s, but have begun to slowly revive over the past decade. Much of the DRC’s economy, however, is dominated by the informal sector. Domestic industry that once processed raw materials and fabricated consumer goods for local markets has all but disappeared. Most consumer goods are imported, with Lebanese and South Asian businesses often dominating this trade. Belgium firms continue to have a strong presence in many sectors.

The DRC seeks to promote regional integration and trade and currently serves as a member of SADC; COMESA; CEEAC; and CEP.

Congolese attitudes toward the U.S. are generally favorable. U.S. businesses are well-received, though U.S. firms are not among the DRC’s traditional trading partners. US –DRC bilateral trade continues to grow. Bilateral trade between the DRC and the United States totaled approximately $430 million in 2009, including approximately $80 million in US exports to the DRC and approximately $350 million in imports from the DRC. The DRC is currently eligible for the trade preferences under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA (though not the Apparel Provision), and the Generalized System of Preferences.