DRC: Dollar Depreciation Fails to Lower Prices of Basic Necessities

Nearly a month after the US dollar fell against the Congolese franc, prices for basic necessities in Kinshasa’s markets remain largely unchanged, according to observations on Monday, November 10, 2025, in the Ngaliema district.

While some fresh products like fish and meat have seen slight decreases, other staples-including cassava flour, plantains, and vegetables-have not benefited, and certain items, such as soap, have even increased in price.

Traders attribute this to the lack of agricultural infrastructure and high transportation costs, which negate the effects of the dollar’s depreciation. Consumers in Kinshasa are awaiting concrete measures to ensure that exchange rate stability translates into real relief for household budgets.