President Tshisekedi calls for restrained fiscal enforcement in mining sector
Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has directed tax authorities to scale back aggressive fiscal recovery measures targeting mining companies. The move aims to safeguard the country’s appeal to foreign investors in a sector critical to national revenue.
As the world’s top cobalt producer and Africa’s second-largest copper exporter, the Democratic Republic of Congo relies heavily on mining exports. The President has criticized financial regulators for repeatedly freezing corporate accounts, seizing assets, and applying inconsistent tax policies. He argues that such actions inflate operational costs, weaken sector competitiveness, and risk deterring future investment.
Prioritizing dialogue over coercion
To address these concerns, Tshisekedi has instructed the Ministries of Economy, Finance, and Mines, along with relevant tax agencies, to ensure any recovery action is legally justified and applied only in exceptional cases. He has emphasized the need for prior notifications, structured dialogue, and mediation mechanisms as outlined in Congolese law.
Addressing his cabinet, the President outlined his vision for a competitive and transparent mining industry, built on stable regulations, predictable administrative decisions, and continuous engagement between government and business leaders.
Ongoing disputes and recent measures
The President’s directive follows prolonged tensions between Kinshasa and several multinational mining firms. In 2025, the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) alleged that major operators, including the Chinese company CMOC and Swiss trader Glencore, had underreported billions in revenue, reducing contributions to state development funds. Both companies denied the accusations.
Days before the presidential announcement, Congolese tax authorities shut down Glencore’s local offices amid a fiscal dispute. While the Swiss group stated it remains in active discussions with authorities and denies any wrongdoing, it remains unclear whether the President’s instructions were directly linked to this case, as the presidency has not yet responded to inquiries.
In a separate order, Tshisekedi also demanded the immediate withdrawal of military and police personnel unlawfully stationed at mining sites. He asserted that such presence encourages fraud, smuggling, and insecurity, while damaging the Democratic Republic of Congo’s reputation among foreign investors.
