Grand Katanga: Preparation of the Formalization Process for Informal Sector Actors

Kinshasa, February 24^th, 2026 (CPA) – A delegation from the Ministry in charge of National Economy is in Grand Katanga from February 16^th to 25^th, 2026, to prepare for the mass formalization process of actors in the informal sector, according to a statement reviewed by CPA on Tuesday. “From February 16^th to 25^th, 2026, a delegation from the Ministry of National Economy is in Grand Katanga (Lubumbashi, Likasi, and Kolwezi) as part of the preparations for the mass formalization process of actors in the informal sector,” the Ministry of National Economy’s statement read. This mission, led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Daniel Mukoko Samba, is in line with the vision of the Head of State, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi. Its objective is to lay the technical and organizational foundations for the pre-registration of informal economic operators, constituting the first step towards their formalization at the One-Stop Shop for Business Creation (GUCE). During this mission, training for provincial investigators on the deployment of the digital pre-registration application, awareness-raising among economic actors, and working sessions with provincial authorities are planned. The document specified that the formalization particularly concerns small traders, retailers, artisans, mechanics, and other operators in the informal sector. It aims to provide them with a secure legal framework, better social protection, and expanded access to economic opportunities and credit. Trained agents, identifiable by their official badges, will use a digital tool specially developed to facilitate registration. This step marks a significant advance towards a more structured, inclusive, and accessible economy for all.