Kinshasa: the Congolese franc appreciates without easing the burden on the household budget

Kinshasa, October 1, 2025 - In Kinshasa, despite the recent appreciation of the Congolese franc against the dollar - from an average of 2,800-2,900 FC to around 2,400-2,550 FC - The prices of basic commodities remain high, causing discontent among households. Traders explain this discrepancy by the sale of stocks purchased at higher rates, market volatility and the lack of liquidity in Congolese francs, while the population denounces the lack of impact of this monetary improvement on the real cost of living.