** Kinshasa: towards regulation of informal markets on boulevard Lumumba? **
On June 4, 2025, an important decision was made by the bourgmestre of the commune of N’Djili in Kinshasa. In response to the emergence of an informal market in district 1, the mayor Papy Mbumba Ngaliema has suspended all commercial activities along Boulevard Lumumba. This initiative, presented as a means of eradicating what the municipal authority describes as “pirate market”, raises complex questions, both on the challenges of public order and on the economic survival of many families.
### Context and issues
The informal market, which has prospered in the region, is distinguished by the diversity of the products it offers, ranging from fresh food such as meat and fish, to clothes and accessories. If these markets represent an economic opportunity for many sellers, they also raise legitimate concerns about food security and health standards. Indeed, the bourgmestre pointed out the non-compliance with health standards, which poses a real challenge for consumer safety.
The importance of informal markets in the economies of developing countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, cannot be underestimated. According to studies, these markets play a crucial role in the subsistence of millions of people who do not have access to formal jobs. The decision to suspend commercial activities, although emanating from a desire to clean up public space, risks jeopardizing the means of subsistence of many traders.
### The question of authority and public order
The proclamation of the bourgmestre also reveals a tension between the municipal authority and the institutional base supposed to supervise this type of trade. The mayor mentioned a “laxity” of the police, which would be an accomplice of the situation by accepting “tickets” of the sellers. This situation raises questions on the responsibility of local authorities, and highlights a broader problem: the capacity of the State to effectively regulate the markets while guaranteeing the security of its citizens.
It is useful to remember that such a situation is not unique in Kinshasa. Many cities around the world face similar regulatory challenges. What emerges, however, is the importance of establishing a constructive dialogue between the actors concerned: local authorities, traders, as well as consumer citizens.
### to a lasting solution?
The solution to this problem is not based solely on prohibitions, but requires an integrated and human approach. The bourgmestre spoke of a proposal made to store owners to design a development plan to supervise commercial activity. This could be a first step in the search for innovative solutions. For example, the creation of a formal market space, where sellers could regroup under regulatory conditions, could both clean up trade and guarantee income for merchants.
The authorities, while continuing their efforts to maintain public order, could consider awareness campaigns on the importance of health standards. At the same time, the establishment of training on sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices could strengthen the resilience of traders in the face of future regulations.
### Conclusion
The situation on Boulevard Lumumba in Kinshasa illustrates a complex problem, at the crossroads of the informal economy and public regulation. The bourgmestre’s decision to suspend commercial activities raises significant questions about the balance between public order and economic rights.
The path to follow requires a commitment to constructive regulation, which takes into account not only the health and security concerns, but also the needs of the thousands of families who depend on these activities for their economic survival. The implementation of inclusive dialogues and innovative solutions could offer a more balanced response to this problem. The future of the informal markets in Kinshasa will undoubtedly depend on the ability of the authorities to reinvent themselves within the framework of this dynamic.