Invest in Democratic Republic of Congo: Sectors, SEZs, FDI

Straddling the equator and cradled in the heart of the African continent, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) stands as the second-largest country in Africa, often referred to a sub-continent due to its vast expanse. It unfolds across a staggering 2.34 million square kilometers and boasts as the Africa’s most biologically diverse nation.

The DRC’s economy has shown remarkable growth and resilience, making it one of the continent’s most dynamic economies. The country positions itself as Africa’s leading copper producer and the world’s largest reserves of cobalt. The nation’s wealth extends to substantial deposits of diamonds, gold, tin ore, and oil, complemented by the most extensive forest cover in Africa, which serves as a green lung for the planet. At the helm of this natural treasure trove is Kinshasa, the vibrant capital city with a burgeoning population of 20 million inhabitants. Kinshasa serves as a pivotal hub, unlocking a realm of investment prospects across diverse sectors: FMCG, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, energy, and infrastructure.

WHY invest in Democratic Republic of Congo

5 Reasons to Invest in DRC:

Untapped Investment Opportunities: DRC is endowed with the world’s largest reserves of untapped natural resources offering myriad investment opportunities across sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, infrastructure, and tourism.
Market Access: Located in the heart of Africa and member of top African economic communities, the DRC gives immediate access to a large regional market of 400 million consumers, over one-fourth of the African population.
Favorable and Sustained Economic Growth Prospects: The DRC’s business environment is increasingly appealing and competitive, bolstered by reformative business incentives. Since 2014, the DRC has enjoyed an average GDP growth rate of 5.3%, with projections of a steady increase exceeding 6% in the forthcoming years.
Strategic Location: The strategic geographical position of the DRC equally makes it a gateway to European, Asian, and American markets.
Labor Availability: Kinshasa, the DRC’s most populous city, is home to nearly 20 million individuals, offering a plentiful workforce of both skilled and unskilled labor at competitive rates.

Resource Rankings:

Natural Resource Leader: 3rd largest producer of Copper, 1st largest producer of Cobalt, 4th largest producer of Diamond, 2nd largest economy among ECCAS countries, 1st largest Hydropower potential in Africa, 1st largest Harvestable Forest area in Africa
Fertile Land & Water Resources: With abundant fertile land and freshwater resources, the DRC has the potential to be an agricultural powerhouse.

Government Initiatives:

Investment Focus: The government actively seeks foreign investment, offering attractive incentives and a focus on improving the business environment (World Bank Doing Business Report).
Infrastructure Development: Ongoing projects aim to improve transportation networks, particularly crucial for a nation of such size. Currently, DRC is the 4th fastest Growing Economy in Africa (World Bank, 2022).

Connectivity:

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) boasts the largest road network in Central Africa, spanning approximately 152,400 kilometers. This extensive network comprises of 58,358 km of national roads, 86,615 km of rural roads, and 7,400 km of urban roads. The capital, Kinshasa, is mainly connected to the hinterland by Africa's second longest river, the Congo, which is over 1,700 km long.
The western part of the country is connected by the ports of Matadi (DRC) and Pointe-Noire (Congo-Brazzaville), and the northern and eastern corridors by the ports of Mombasa (Kenya) and Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania).
The port of Matadi, located more than 300 km from Kinshasa, is the main seaport of the DRC, with 90% of it's traffic by sea.
The busiest international airport is that of N'Djili, which provides air connections to the capital, Kinshasa.

TRADE AGREEMENT

COMESA-Common Market for Eastern & Southern Africa

ECCAS- Economic Community of Central African State

OHADA- Organization for Harmonization of BLA

SADC-Southern African Development Community

Our clients

ZIC-JG Group - Five Element Industry Limited

Visions & testimonials

Julien Paluku
Minister of Industry of the DRC

Julien Paluku, Minister of Industry of the Democratic Republic of Congo, stated that the vision of a “New Congo,” as envisioned by H.E. Félix-Antoine TSHISEKEDI, is achievable through the establishment of competitive ecosystems and robust economic platforms. The creation of Special Economic Zones (...

Why Invest in Democratic Republic of Congo?

Why should I consider investing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)?

The DRC is one of the most resource-rich countries in the world, with vast reserves of minerals, including cobalt, copper, diamonds, and gold. It also offers significant opportunities in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. The country's large population of over 100 million people and its strategic location in Central Africa provide access to a vast and growing market.

What market sectors are most promising for investment in the DRC?

Promising markets for investment in the DRC include sawn wood, decking, furniture, plywood and veneer, and manufacturing of consumer goods such as beverages, home care products, and packaged goods, including medicines and solutions. Opportunities also abound in beauty and personal care, plumbing equipment and fixtures, furnishings, plastic recycling, metal scrap recycling, and consumer electronics. The DRC’s abundant natural resources, growing consumer base, and increasing demand for a wide range of products make these sectors particularly attractive for investors.

What are the main incentives for foreign investors in the DRC?

The DRC government offers various incentives to attract foreign investment, including tax holidays, customs duty exemptions, and the ability to repatriate profits. The government also provides legal protections for foreign investors and has established special economic zones with additional benefits.

What are the challenges of investing in the DRC, and how can they be mitigated?

Challenges include infrastructure limitations, regulatory complexities, and security concerns in certain regions. However, these challenges can be mitigated by partnering with local businesses, investing in regions with better infrastructure, and operating within special economic zones like the CIP Zone operated by Arise IIP, which offer enhanced security and support.

How does the DRC’s location benefit businesses looking to expand regionally?

The DRC’s central location in Africa provides strategic access to neighboring countries in Central, East, and Southern Africa. This makes it an ideal hub for businesses looking to expand their operations regionally, with access to a market of over 300 million consumers across multiple countries.

What are the prospects for export-oriented businesses in the DRC?

Export-oriented businesses in the DRC benefit from the country’s rich natural resources and strategic location. The DRC has access to major international markets through its ports and trade agreements with other countries. Sectors like mining, agriculture, and manufacturing are particularly well-positioned for export opportunities.

What is the role of the CIP Zone in the DRC’s industrial development?

The CIP Zone plays a crucial role in the DRC’s industrial development by providing a dedicated space for businesses to operate with access to modern infrastructure, incentives, and support services. The zone is designed to facilitate industrial growth and attract both local and foreign investment.