** Fight against tax evasion: a new era for the Democratic Republic of Congo? **
In a country like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the fight against corruption and tax evasion is akin to an obstacle race, the recent conclusions of the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) shed light on A new day the financial challenges encountered by the State. The investigation carried out by the IGF at the request of the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI) reveals dysfunctions which, beyond their administrative scope, highlights the importance of rigorous governance and effective monitoring of the private sector.
The survey highlights the case of 11,038 companies, declared bankrupt or inactive, but still active in the banking circuit. These companies having access to well -stocked accounts, while they are theoretically outside the tax circuit, raise deep questions on the rigor of the controls exercised by financial institutions. Access to bank funds without tax obligations can create an inequality climate where certain companies celebrate their financial successes while depriving the public treasury of vital resources for the country’s economic development.
To this is added the alarming observation of 935 active companies which operate without tax number, thus completely escaping the tax administration. This state of affairs is not only a matter of lack of supervision, it is a phenomenon to deep socio-economic implications. Indeed, such funded opacity leads to a weakening of public services, a deterioration in quality of life for citizens and strengthens economic inequalities.
By situating these revelations in a global context, it is relevant to note that the DRC is not the only one to face these challenges. According to the OECD, tax evasion costs billions every year to developing countries. This raises the question of how other nations have faced these challenges. For example, Kenya has introduced strict corporate recording measures, resulting in significant increase in its tax collection rate. Could such an approach be adopted by the DRC to overcome its tax shortcomings?
The efforts made by the Congolese government to rectify the shot are however significant. The budget of 51,553.54 billion Congolese francs promulgated by President Félix Tshisekedi, representing an increase of 25.8 % compared to the previous year, testifies to a real ambition to straighten the economy. However, this objective will only be achieved if concrete measures are taken to ensure that all companies, including those newly identified by the IGF, equitably contributes to tax revenue.
Internationally, this desire for financial transparency could mature thanks to increased cooperation with organizations such as the Global Forum on Transparency and the Exchange of Information for Tax purposes. These partnerships could transcend borders and unite the efforts of countries to track businesses with harmful tax behavior. The DRC must teach these examples and consider local application.
However, the fight against tax evasion is not limited to detection and reintegration into the tax circuit. The awareness of actors in the private sector and tax education are essential tools for this struggle. By informing companies of their tax obligations and emphasizing the importance of contributions to public finances, the Congolese government can shape a culture of integrity and economic responsibility within the entrepreneurial fabric.
In conclusion, the revelations highlighted by the IGF are not only figures revealing an endemic evil, but also an opportunity for the DRC to train a new fiscal future. By transforming this crisis into an occasion of renewal, the State can strengthen its economic framework, increase its transparency and, perhaps, restore the confidence of citizens in its economic and fiscal system. The road is strewn with pitfalls, of course, but it is the effectiveness of the actions carried out which will determine if the DRC will be able to bet on this historic chance to recreate its path to prosperity.