Kinshasa April 15th, 2025 (CPA). – The Ministry of Industry and SME Development has confirmed that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) currently has seven special economic zones under development, CPA learned on Tuesday from this official source. « The DRC currently has seven special economic zones under development, some of which are already active. This is the case of the Maluku Economic Zone (Zes) in Kinshasa, where companies such as Saphir, which exports tiles to Congo Brazzaville, and Varum Beverag, manufacturer of the Pepsi beverage, operate » said Mr. Clément Muchengezi, cabinet director representing Louis Watum, Minister of Industry and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development, at the 10-year celebration of the AZEZ.
He added that other zones, including Kin-Malebo, Kiswishi and Kinsevere in Lubumbashi, Musiénene in North Kivu, Musompo in Lualaba, as well as the Equateur SEZ, are also in the process of being operationalized. Mr. Muchengezi pointed out that through these zones, the Congolese government intends to boost local processing, promote exports and stimulate growth. He noted the President of the Republic’s constant commitment to industrial development, despite the persistent security challenges in the east of the country. For his part, Auguy Bolanda, Managing Director of the Agency for Special Economic Zones (AZES), retraced the history of the institution, highlighting the progress made in the creation and operationalization of special economic zones across the country. The ceremony culminated in the presentation of trophies of distinction to the “champions of SEZs”, including former Ministers of Industry, the AZEZ management team and a number of partners who have contributed to the development of the project. ACP/