Kinshasa, May 27th, 2025 (CPA).- The participation of Congolese investors as shareholders in the share capital of commercial banks operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo was encouraged on Tuesday in Kinshasa by economic players, with a view to strengthening banking governance and the country’s economic sovereignty, according to a press release consulted by the CPA. ‘Congolese economic players welcome the strict implementation of Amendment 3 to Instruction No. 18 of the Central Bank of Congo, which requires all banks operating in the DRC to include at least four separate shareholders in their share capital. Although this provision does not explicitly require the presence of a Congolese among these independents, it represents a strategic opportunity to encourage the participation of national investors in the capital of banks established on national territory’, reads amendment 3 to Instruction no.
18 of the Central Bank of Congo (BCC). According to the source, this measure goes well beyond the regulatory framework, and is part of a vision of economic sovereignty, financial inclusion and the promotion of an economy centered on Congolese interests. To this end, opening up banking capital to nationals means recognizing the skills of our entrepreneurs, their ambition and commitment, and their legitimate right to take part in governance and wealth creation in the financial sector. ‘It is important not to reduce this opening up of capital to a mere technical requirement. It is a clear call to Congolese entrepreneurs and businessmen and women to become actively involved in this transformation. Their experience in the field, their dynamism and their knowledge of local realities are all assets for building financial governance that is anchored in the needs and priorities of the Congolese people’, the press release stated.
Banking penetration by national investors remains low
The document also pointed out that banking penetration currently remains low, partly due to an offer that is often disconnected from the realities on the ground. ‘By encouraging significant Congolese participation, banks will be better able to integrate into the local economy, offer products tailored to the real needs of citizens and adopt a strategy that is closer to the market. This development is also beneficial for the banking institutions themselves’, said the source. The source pointed out that this disconnection is due to the fact that decision-making is still too often centralized abroad, in head offices that are far removed from the realities of the Congolese economy.
By bringing decision-making centers closer together, this reform will make governance more relevant, faster and better aligned with national dynamics. The economic players also acknowledged the remarkable leadership of the Governor of the Central Bank of Congo, MS Malangu Kabedi Mbuyi. Since taking office, she has introduced rigorous monetary discipline, stabilized the Congolese franc against international currencies, brought inflation under control, and restored investor confidence, thereby laying the foundations for a favorable climate for private investment and the development of a strong productive sector.
The emergence of a new generation of Congolese entrepreneurs
The source also pointed out that Congolese economic players have given their full backing to the vision of the President of the Republic, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, which calls for the emergence of a new generation of prosperous Congolese entrepreneurs who will drive more equitable and inclusive growth. In addition, the opening up of banking capital is a fundamental lever for promoting the growth of a strong and dynamic middle class, capable of pulling the economy upwards.
‘We, the Congolese economic players, call on all the banks to comply with this provision without delay, and to refrain from taking any action to sabotage this initiative. Any attitude to the contrary will be seen as a lack of consideration for the people of this community in which they operate and do good business, by excluding them and confining them to the role of mere cash cows.