The DRC reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on reviews of programmes supporting economic reforms and climate resilience.
The agreement remains subject to approval by IMF Management and the Executive Board, which is expected to consider the reviews in December. “Economic growth slowed somewhat in 2026, as economic activity is starting to be affected by the Ebola outbreak and challenges in two large mines,” IMF Mission Chief Calixte Ahokpossi said.
Real economic growth is nevertheless expected to remain above 5% in 2026 and over the medium term.
Inflation is projected to rise to nearly 9% by the end of December, driven by increasing petroleum and food prices.
The Central Bank of Congo kept the policy rate unchanged at 12.5% in October.
The IMF urged the Bank to remain vigilant and tighten monetary policy if uncertainty surrounding Ebola and the Middle East conflict caused inflation expectations to become unstable.
Armed conflict in eastern DRC and spending on the Ebola response are placing further pressure on the national Budget.
The government has requested more IMF financing and a relaxation of fiscal-deficit limits for 2026 and 2027 to cover additional health costs and external financing needs.
Higher financing under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility would support stronger epidemic preparedness and response systems.
The IMF called for faster implementation of revenue measures, tighter control of the public-sector wage bill and reduced spending on lower-priority programmes.
Public financial management reforms should limit emergency spending procedures, expand spending authority to additional ministries and complete implementation of the Treasury Single Account.
The IMF welcomed the DRC’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list but called for continuing action against corruption and money laundering.
Climate reforms include proposed changes to the Forest Code and public-private partnership law, alongside publication of the National Forest Fund’s performance audit.
The IMF also urged stronger enforcement of environmental and social standards in the mining industry.
–IMF/ChannelAfrica–
