Ministry of Finance Defends New Secure License Plates, Denies Opacity and High Costs

Kinshasa DRC January 11, 2026 - The Ministry of Finance has rejected allegations surrounding the reform of the vehicle registration system and the introduction of new secure license plates in the Democratic Republic of Congo, insisting that the process is transparent, lawful, and financially justified. In a statement, the ministry said it sought to “set the record straight” and counter what it described as confusion and unfounded accusations, reaffirming its commitment to good governance and transparency. A Reform to Restore Order and Security According to the ministry, the reform aims to correct serious security flaws and the absence of a clear contractual framework, which had enabled a parallel market to flourish. Authorities reported the circulation of duplicate license plate numbers and the sale of Congolese plates on foreign online platforms. “Allowing such a situation to continue would have been a grave mistake,” the ministry said, stressing that the reform is intended to restore state authority, strengthen vehicle identification, and protect public finances. A Relaunched Process After the 2022 Failure The ministry acknowledged that an earlier project launched in 2022 failed due to technical and legal shortcomings, notably the absence of a required feasibility study and disagreements among potential partners. The process was subsequently suspended and relaunched under a new legal framework, with approval from the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ARMP). Authorities insist this decision was made solely in the public interest. No Irregular Technical Changes, Government Says Responding to claims of last-minute technical changes, the ministry said the tender dossier received a no-objection opinion from the Directorate General for Public Procurement Control (DGCMP). It added that the technical specifications are largely identical to those of the 2022 project and that all three shortlisted companies were invited to submit bids, ensuring equal treatment. Contract Awarded in Line with Procurement Rules The ministry denied any opacity or conflict of interest, emphasizing that the project was included in an approved procurement plan and validated by the Prime Minister. Contrary to some reports, authorities said the contract was awarded through a restricted tender authorized by the DGCMP, not a negotiated procedure. They also noted that the winning bidders were selected before the current Minister of Finance took office. Clarifying the Cost of License Plates The ministry rejected claims that the plates cost only $30 to produce, stating that the official price of $65 includes manufacturing, logistics, transport, supplier margins, and system security services. It also said no private intermediaries are involved in financing and that the share allocated to the public treasury has increased by 14.3%. The price of license plates, unchanged for more than a decade, has been reduced from $120 to $115, with a further cut to $105 planned for 2027, a move the government says will increase state revenue. Transition Period and Call for Transparency Authorities clarified that replacement of old plates is not immediately mandatory and that a one-year transition period is предусмотр, during which old plates remain valid. The Ministry of Finance said it remains open to audits and dialogue and urged citizens to consult official documents. It called on the public to remain calm and rely on official sources, stating that “access to facts and documents is the best foundation for responsible public debate.”