Kinshasa, June 23rd, 2026 (CPA). – An abundance of jerseys (official shirts) for the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), imported from Thailand, is found on the markets of Kinshasa, selling for 27,000 FC, or approximately 12 US dollars, CPA has noted on Tuesday during a brief investigation.
‘An abundance of jerseys (official shirts) for DRC Leopards, coming from Thailand, is currently available on the market. They are selling for FC 27,000, or approximately US$12 at an exchange rate of FC 2,300 per dollar, during the period from June 17th to 23rd, 2026,” has declared Aruna Akilimali, entrepreneur and jersey seller at Kinshasa Central Market, in the municipality of Gombe (north of Kinshasa). According to him, this price stability is due to the abundance of the product on the market, combined with a strong demand linked to the qualification and the participation of DRC national team in the World Cup.
During the same period, he has indicated that the prices of certain jerseys have remained stable depending on the range and quality of the products. Thus, a jersey is selling for FC 12,000, or approximately US$5. Furthermore, Mr Akilimali has specified that some children’s jerseys are sold for FC 9,500, or US$4. He has explained that this price stability reflects the growing enthusiasm of Congolese supporters for national team products in the approach to major international competitions. “I would like to inform the people of Kinshasa that a large batch of jerseys in the national colours is available. A large stock is available to anyone wishing to purchase them,” he has concluded.
Meanwhile, Ms Josephine Kapinga, another jersey seller encountered at the Huileries roundabout (north of Kinshasa), has specified that “selling jerseys has become a necessity for many traders. It is also a significant source of income, as every Congolese person is proud of his or her country, particularly following DRC’s qualification for the World Cup, 52 years after its last appearance.” She has explained that wearing insignia and jerseys in the national colours helps to strengthen unity and patriotism amongst the population. CPA/