Kinshasa, July 27th, 2026 (CPA).- Results from the simulation model on the effects of tobacco taxation in Democratic Republic of the Congo (SimTaxRDC) were presented during a workshop on Monday in Kinshasa by the NGO “Local Initiative for Integrated Development” (Ildi), as part of an advocacy project promoting this tax in the country.
“This workshop is dedicated to launching and presenting the results of the simulation model on the effects of tobacco taxation in DRC, providing a national platform for dialogue on tobacco taxation, health financing, the mobilization of domestic resources, and multisectoral coordination to strengthen outcomes in the promotion of public health. It also presents an overview of the current state of tobacco product taxation in DRC, the analytical framework of SimTaxRDC, the model’s results and their impact on domestic revenue, public health, and socioeconomic well-being, as well as a roadmap of reform opportunities to be undertaken regarding tobacco in DRC,” said Suzanne Linyonga, Chair of the Board of Directors of the NGO Ildi.
This launching, she said, comes at a crucial moment for fiscal reforms, as the 2027 fiscal year approaches, while DRC faces growing pressure on the national budget particularly given the decline in foreign aid, the increase in public debt, and rising healthcare needs.
“More than ever, tobacco taxation offers a real opportunity to generate significant and predictable revenue, while reducing consumption and long-term healthcare costs,” she has added.
This meeting was organized by Ildi in collaboration with the Ministries of Public Health, Finance, and the Budget, as well as Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA) and the Consortium for Economic and Social Research (CRES). It brought together policymakers, specialized units from the Ministry in charge of Health, tax and customs authorities, civil society representatives, academics, and development partners.
The NGO Ildi strives to build a strong community dedicated to tax justice and advocacy, capable of influencing and driving policy reforms that benefit poor and vulnerable populations.