The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Subcontracting Regulatory Authority will subject major mining operators to mandatory annual audits of their subcontracting practices and local-content compliance starting January 1, 2027.
Reuters reports that the regulatory drive aims to ensure that foreign mining companies adhere strictly to national laws prioritising local businesses in commercial supply chains. Subcontracting Regulatory Authority Director General Miguel Kashal Katemb stated that under existing regulations, majority ownership in subcontracting ventures must be held by Congolese nationals.
Data released by the regulator indicates that of the $3.7 billion declared in subcontracting contracts by 167 major firms in 2025, $3.1 billion, including $2.9 billion within the mining sector, was awarded to majority Congolese-owned enterprises.
The upcoming audit regime is designed to institutionalise compliance oversight, eliminate fronting, and guarantee that mineral revenue contributes directly to domestic economic empowerment.
–Reuters/ChannelAfrica–
