Title: Customs and excise revenues in the Democratic Republic of Congo reach a new record in 2023
Introduction :
In 2023, the Democratic Republic of Congo recorded impressive results in terms of mobilization of customs and excise revenues. According to a government report, published recently, these revenues reached a new record, amounting to 1.144 million US dollars, or approximately 2,746,436 billion Congolese francs, at the exchange rate of 2,400 FC for 1 USD. This performance demonstrates the efforts made by the General Directorate of Customs and Excise to improve revenue collection and contribute to the economic development of the country.
Customs and excise revenues higher than forecasts:
The government report highlights that customs and excise revenues mobilized by the general directorate of customs and excise exceeded initial forecasts. Indeed, out of a forecast of 2,800,404 billion Congolese francs, revenues reached 2,746,436 billion FC, or nearly 1,144 million USD at the exchange rate of 2,400 FC for 1 USD. This performance demonstrates the effectiveness of the measures put in place to strengthen the collection of customs and excise revenues.
Satisfactory achievement of revenue excluding value added tax:
As part of this revenue mobilization, revenue excluding value added tax also achieved satisfactory results. With an amount of 1,137,304 billion FC, or approximately 473 million USD, revenue excluding VAT reached an achievement rate of 66% compared to the budgetary allocations which were of the order of 1,772,382 billion FC. These results demonstrate the importance of this source of revenue for Congolese public finances.
An achievement rate of 65% for value added tax revenue:
Concerning value added tax revenue collected by the general directorate of customs and excise, they reached an amount of 671.703 billion FC, or nearly 279 million USD. This amount represents an achievement rate of 65% compared to the budget forecasts set at 1,028,022 billion FC. Despite a slightly lower achievement rate, this revenue remains important for financing public expenditure.
Non-tax revenues mobilized by the General Directorate of Revenue, Administrative, Judicial and State (DGRAD):
In addition to customs and excise revenues, the government report also highlights the non-tax revenues mobilized by the General Directorate of Revenue, Administrative, Judicial and State (DGRAD). These revenues reached an amount of 1,683,849 billion FC, or nearly 701 million USD. This figure represents an achievement rate of 84% compared to the forecast of 2,000,956 billion FC. These non-tax revenues also contribute significantly to the financial resources of the State.
Conclusion :
The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded remarkable results in terms of mobilizing customs and excise revenues. By exceeding forecasts, these revenues demonstrate the efforts made by the authorities to strengthen revenue collection and support the country’s economic development. Non-value added tax revenue and value added tax revenue play a crucial role in Congolese public finances, while non-tax revenue also contributes significantly. This encouraging performance paves the way for new opportunities to stimulate economic growth and improve the country’s financial situation.