President Felix Tshisekedi has started a visit to France for a two-day session, focused mainly on economic issues between the two countries. A DRC-France economic forum is planned for April 30, highlighting the importance of trade relations between the two nations. According to official French data, the Democratic Republic of Congo ranks 107th among France’s trading partners.
Over recent years, there has been significant growth in French exports to the DRC, with an increase of 48%, reaching an estimated amount of 220 million euros. On the other hand, the DRC’s imports from France recorded a decline, mainly attributed to the drop in purchases of mining products, falling from 123 million euros in 2021 to 61 million euros.
A significant number of French companies are established in the Democratic Republic of Congo, thus demonstrating a marked economic interest for this country. Among these, we find major players such as Orange, Accor, Castel, Perenco, Total Energies and Vivendi. These companies operate in diverse sectors ranging from telecommunications to hospitality, breweries and the oil industry, thus actively contributing to the local economy.
President Tshisekedi’s official visit aims to promote French investments in the DRC, particularly in key sectors such as mining, infrastructure and energy. This approach is part of a desire to strengthen economic partnerships between the two countries and stimulate the economic development of the DRC.
In another context, the closing of the fiscal year is also in focus, with the filing of tax returns and the corresponding tax payments for companies of different sizes. Meanwhile, complaints have been made by nationals of Uganda and Tanzania regarding visa fees imposed by Congolese migration authorities, in violation of the free trade agreement in force in the region.
Finally, a promising partnership on the exploration of mineral deposits between the DRC and a French geologist expert is arousing interest and opening new perspectives for the country’s mining sector. These new collaborations and initiatives underline the importance of economic relations between France and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and demonstrate a potential for mutually beneficial growth and development for both countries.