DRC Central Bank Cuts Key Rate and Tightens Foreign Currency Controls

Kinshasa, April 10, 2026 - The Central Bank of Congo (BCC) has lowered its key interest rate from 15.0% to 13.5% and introduced stricter regulations on the physical importation and use of foreign currency banknotes, following a Monetary Policy Committee meeting held on April 9 in Kinshasa. Chaired by Governor André Wameso, the committee said the decision aims to preserve macroeconomic stability amid ongoing global economic uncertainty, including energy market disruptions and rising international pressures on inflation and trade. The BCC also reduced the marginal lending facility rate from 19% to 17.5%, while maintaining reserve requirement ratios unchanged for deposits in both local and foreign currency. According to the central bank, the Congolese economy continues to show resilience, with growth projected at 6.2% in 2026, up from 5.8% the previous year, driven by strong performance in both mining and non-mining sectors. Inflation, meanwhile, has declined significantly, standing at 2.2% at the end of March 2026 compared to 10.1% a year earlier. A key structural decision announced by the bank concerns foreign currency management. The BCC will establish exclusive authority over the physical importation of foreign currency banknotes within 12 months. Starting April 9, 2027, commercial banks will no longer be allowed to import physical foreign currency, and cash transactions in foreign currency are expected to be fully replaced by electronic payments. Authorities say the measure is intended to strengthen financial system security, improve oversight, and combat money laundering and illicit financial flows. The central bank also plans to introduce six-month maturity instruments for BCC bonds to improve liquidity management. Officials noted that the Congolese franc has shown mixed performance, with slight appreciation on the parallel market but depreciation on the official market since the beginning of the year, reflecting cyclical demand for foreign exchange and seasonal pressures. The monetary authorities stressed that the policy adjustments are part of broader efforts to maintain stability in a challenging global environment marked by volatile energy prices, geopolitical tensions, and tightening international financial conditions.