The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, has directed fiscal authorities to curb aggressive tax recovery measures against mining companies, warning that such tactics undermine investor confidence in the sector. The directive follows a cabinet meeting held in Kinshasa, where the Head of State emphasized the need for balanced fiscal policies to safeguard the country’s economic appeal.
As the world’s leading cobalt producer and Africa’s second-largest copper supplier, the DRC relies heavily on mineral exports for revenue. President Tshisekedi has criticized repeated bank account seizures, asset freezes, and unpredictable tax policies, arguing these actions inflate operational costs, weaken sector competitiveness, and deter foreign investment.
Prioritizing dialogue over enforcement
To address these concerns, the President instructed the Ministries of Economy, Finance, and Mines, along with relevant fiscal agencies, to ensure tax recovery actions are legally justified and used only as a last resort. He advocated for structured dialogue, advance notifications, and mediation mechanisms outlined in Congolese law to resolve disputes constructively.
In a broader vision for the mining industry, Tshisekedi stressed the importance of a “competitive and transparent” sector, underpinned by stable regulations, predictable administrative decisions, and continuous collaboration between the government and businesses.
These measures come amid ongoing friction between Kinshasa and several multinational mining firms. Last year, the Inspectorate General of Finance alleged that major players, including Chinese firm CMOC and Swiss trader Glencore, had underreported billions in revenue, reducing their contributions to national development funds. Both companies denied the allegations.
Days before the President’s announcement, Congolese tax authorities shut down Glencore’s local offices over a fiscal dispute. The company reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the issue while denying any wrongdoing. Officials have not confirmed whether the President’s directive was directly linked to this case, as the presidency has not responded to inquiries.
In a separate move, President Tshisekedi ordered the immediate withdrawal of military and police personnel illegally stationed at mining sites. He cited concerns that their presence fosters fraud, smuggling, and insecurity, while also damaging the DRC’s reputation among foreign investors.
