Kinshasa, November 5th, 2025 (CPA). – The dematerialization of import-export numbers through the Single Window for Foreign Trade (GUICE) was presented on Wednesday in Kinshasa, during a press briefing, as a significant step forward in the reform to secure economic operators in the Democratic Republic of Congo, by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of this public institution. ‘Today we are celebrating a major step forward in the modernization of our country’s foreign trade through the complete dematerialization of the import-export number via the Single Window with the aim of providing security for economic operators,’ said Ms Kayekez-A-Mutomb Yolene, Deputy Director General of GUICE. She indicated that the aim of this ambitious reform was to simplify, speed up and secure the procedures for economic operators, before emphasizing that this institution embodies a more modern, more transparent administration that is closer to the needs of the private sector.
Ms. Kayekez noted that since October 5th this year, import-export numbers can be obtained, renewed and issued entirely online. ‘This is not a technical change, but rather a cultural transformation, as we are now moving from a slow and cumbersome administration to one that is fast, traceable and transparent,’ she said. She explained that this reform is the result of an exemplary public-private partnership, which proves that with political will, technical expertise and a sense of responsibility, modernization can become a reality. For her, the success of this reform does not depend solely on technology, but is a collective commitment because, she argued, in this reform, no one is a spectator because everyone has a role to play. Furthermore, Ms Kayekez pointed out that today, the value print is now dematerialized, as it is a concrete symbol of the modernization of foreign trade in the DRC. She specified that this important reform involves everyone: the administration, economic operators and technical partners alike. On this occasion, she praised President Tshisekedi’s leadership for his constant commitment to improving the business climate, before congratulating the government, led by the Prime Minister, for its efforts to realize this vision. For his part, Fils Kamitere, head of the Kinshasa facilitation center, presented the objectives of this reform, which include simplifying the procedure for obtaining import-export numbers in order to eliminate physical procedures, guarantee the transparency and traceability of operations and, finally, strengthen the competitiveness of foreign trade in our country.
For him, this reform also has advantages in that it saves time, eliminates the need for physical travel, and reduces risks and document loss. Added to this is access at any time. It should be noted that the import-export number is a document that includes a unique registration number assigned to any natural or legal person wishing to import and/or export goods on Congolese territory. This number certifies that the company is authorized to carry out international commercial transactions in accordance with the regulations in force. ACP/