The country marked its thirteenth consecutive year of positive economic expansion in 2015. Much economic activity still occurs in the informal sector and is not reflected in GDP data.

Growth should remain strong in 2015 and 2016 if the domestic political and security situation stays calm and if external conditions remain good. It will be boosted mainly by the extractive and agro-food industries that attract most large-scale investment.

Economic growth of nearly 9% in 2014 was driven by the extractive and manufacturing industries, agriculture, commerce and construction, and benefited from fairly good external demand and quite high raw material prices. 

Starting a business in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) takes approximately 149 days as compared to about 46 days for the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

CIT, known as impôt sur les bénéfices et profits (IBP) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is paid on profits realised by a company or an individual that carries out any operational activity in the country. The CIT rate is 35% (30% for mining companies).

One of the most consistently challenging aspects of contracting in Democratic Republic of the Congo is complying with the country’s tax system.

Progressive table for personal taxes in DR Congo

A standard rate of 16%.

A valid passport and business visa are required for travel to Democratic Republic of Congo.

Instructions and costs for visas to enter the DR Congo

Ground transport in theDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has always been difficult. The terrain and climate of the Congo Basinpresent serious barriers to road and rail construction, and the distances are enormous across this vast country. 

The national system is mostly operated by the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer du Congo (SNCC). Not all rail lines link up, but are generally connected by river transport. 

Largely due to the country’s troubled history, the national telecom system remains one of the least developed in the region. – See more at: http://www.budde.com.au/Research/Democratic-Republic-of-Congo-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses.html#sthash.wiWNhBnf.dpuf

Telecommunications in the Democratic Republic of the Congo include radio, television, fixed and mobile telephones, and the Internet.

This site discusses various issues including hiring Expatriates workers, work permit, visa, Employment contracts, dismissal, leave, etc

This site provides a detailed summary of some of the labor regulations that would apply to local entrepreneurs wishing to hire workers, organize working schedules, improve job quality for workers, or make workers redundant for economic reasons in Congo, Dem. Rep.

See Redundancy Rules on this site

A forum on the cost of living in the DR Congo with comments from people with experience living in the country

Dos and Don’ts of business etiquette in the DR Congo

Etiquette rules for dining in the Congo

The climate is tropically hot and humid in the lower western and central regions, which frequent heavy rains from October or November through May south of the equator and from April to November in the north, whilst along the equator itself there is only one season.

Of the land area, 57.9% has a tropical rainforest climate (Af), 42.1% has a tropical wet and dry/ savanna climate (Aw).

All foreigners traveling to and residing in Congo-Kinshasa are urged to exercise caution and maintain security awareness at all times. 

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (a.k.a. DRC or Congo-Kinshasa). 

Prices of everyday items in the DR Congo

A commentary on the focus to improve the school system in the DR Congo

Education has never been free in the DRC. This assumption is based on a 2010 government decision to make it free but many parents are still struggling to send children to school because they cannot afford it. 

Overview of holidays and many observances in Congo Democratic Republic during the year 2016

Overview of holidays and many observances in Congo Democratic Republic during the year 2017

Demographic informationon the DR Congo from the CIA

Population facts and statistics

Congo Democratic Republic Customs regulations and procedures for importing and exporting goods at border.

A profile of the import and export markets in the DR Congo

This site provides key information on the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s participation in the WTO. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been a member of WTO since 1 January 1997.

A summary of trade agreements that the DR Congo has entered into

A hotel listing in various cities in the DR Congo

Hotel reccommendations in the capital city

This site lists places of interest in the DR Congo, however, travel advice from the UK and the USA currently urges against non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Despite the Democratic Republic of Congo being one among the least toured countries in Africa, slow by slowly the country is beginning to take ground in the tourism industry.