DRC: Workshop to strengthen export policy to strategic markets

Kinshasa, July 14^th, 2025 (CPA). – A workshop to strengthen the export policy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to strategic international markets was opened on Monday in Kinshasa, organized by the National Export Promotion Agency (Anapex). ‘This workshop aims to improve understanding of market requirements by strengthening knowledge of regulatory issues… and to guide export strategies by providing companies with the tools they need to develop and implement an effective export strategy to these key markets,’ said Mike Tambwe, Director General of Anapex. ‘I am delighted that this workshop is a unique opportunity for Congolese economic operators wishing to export to the AfCFTA and the European Union, and for other executives, to acquire in-depth knowledge,’ he added. For Director General Mike Tambwe, DRC has enormous export potential, particularly in the agricultural sector. Hence the holding of this capacity-building workshop, designed specifically to fill the gaps and equip Congolese stakeholders with the tools they need to conquer these strategic markets. ‘Access to these international markets requires a thorough understanding of specific regulations, requirements and opportunities,’ he said. Mr Tambwe noted that exports are a lever for economic growth but remain a complex issue and require preparation and training. ‘That is why Anapex, a technical structure under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, has been tasked with promoting Congolese exports and ensuring commercial expansion by intensifying trade with third economies,’ he said. He said that the workshop will consist of three phases: capacity building, replication training and webinars, and a final module designed specifically for small and medium-sized agricultural and horticultural enterprises (SMEs). This module will focus on mechanisms for accessing finance. The main objective of this workshop, organized under the theme: ‘Access to EU and AfCFTA markets: Regulatory requirements, opportunities and challenges specific to DRC and its export sectors’, is to train supervisors to enable them to replicate the training. Several topics are planned for this purpose, including regulatory requirements, the role and importance of standards in international trade, product requirements for local, regional and international markets, an introduction to applicable norms and standards, good food safety management practices and the development of competitive strategies. This four-day workshop (July 14^th-17^th) was made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Entrepreneurship-Agriculture-Development Liaison Committee (COLEAD), a network of businesses, professional organizations and experts committed to inclusive and sustainable agriculture.