DRC Challenges $4 Billion Claim by US Company PayServices

Kinshasa/Washington January 14, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is contesting a lawsuit filed by the American firm PayServices, which seeks $4 billion in damages in a US federal court. According to the lawsuit, PayServices alleges it reached an agreement with Congolese public entities to digitize state payments, a project the company claims could have generated over $8 billion annually. The company asserts that the project was never implemented. The complaint states that initial contacts occurred on December 6, 2023, at the DRC embassy in Washington, D.C., followed by an alleged exclusivity agreement in January 2024 with the Congolese General Savings Bank (CADECO). A payment of $20 million was reportedly expected before March 2024, but was allegedly never released. PayServices claims it attempted mediation before taking legal action. The lawsuit further alleges breach of contract, pressure tactics, and attempted bribery, citing a supposed €5 million bribe. Several high-ranking officials are named, including the Minister of Portfolio, Julie Mbamubi Shiku; Minister of Finance, Doudou Fwamba Likunde; Chief of Staff to the President, Nkinzo Kamole; Governor of the Central Bank, Andrew Mwema; and CADECO CEO, Mukeba Muntuba. Kinshasa Denies All Allegations In a press release dated January 13, 2026, the Congolese Ministry of Portfolio refuted the claims, stating that PayServices never held legal banking status under U.S. law. The release cites a formal decision of the Idaho Department of Finance (October 18, 2024), which revoked all conditional accreditations and prohibited the company from using the term "bank" due to regulatory non-compliance. The ministry emphasized that administrative checks under the Public Finance Act confirmed that PayServices was neither authorized nor qualified to receive or manage public funds. Consequently, no funds were transferred, and no financial loss occurred. Authorities also noted that no certified financial statements or independent audit were produced to substantiate the company’s claims. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the alleged $72 million investment and the supposed contract between PCES Akiba and CADECO are baseless, lacking any legal, budgetary, or accounting foundation. The ministry framed the allegations of corruption and coercion as stemming from Kinshasa’s refusal to pay a company without legal banking status. DRC Reserves Legal Rights The statement confirmed that the DRC is cooperating with all competent jurisdictions and reserves the right to pursue legal remedies. The case continues in US courts, where the dispute over PayServices’ banking authority and the alleged damages is ongoing.