DRC Strengthens Anti-Corruption Framework as Government and Private Sector Join Forces

Kinshasa, July 8, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo is advancing efforts to strengthen its legal framework against corruption, with the government and private sector reaffirming their commitment to closer cooperation in promoting transparency and good governance. A working session held in Kinshasa on July 7 brought together the Ministry of Justice, the United Nations Global Compact Network in the DRC, and private sector representatives under the leadership of Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Guillaume Ngefa. The meeting focused on the latest developments in the draft anti-corruption law recently adopted by the Council of Ministers, including technical adjustments made to the text and preparations for its broader dissemination among stakeholders. Jessica Webe, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network DRC, welcomed the progress achieved, noting that around 75 percent of recommendations submitted by the organization's anti-corruption commission had been integrated into the draft law following months of consultations with government authorities. Private sector representatives also expressed support for the reform. Hugues Boketsu Efole, Deputy Managing Director of Equity BCDC and head of the UN Global Compact's anti-corruption commission on a rotating basis, said businesses are committed to contributing to the creation of a more transparent economic environment and strengthening trust between institutions and companies. As part of the implementation process, stakeholders announced plans to launch awareness campaigns targeting businesses and civil society organizations to promote understanding of the new legal framework and encourage effective compliance. Adopted by the Council of Ministers on June 26 under the chairmanship of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the draft law seeks to modernize the country's approach to fighting corruption through four main pillars: prevention, protection, prosecution, and judicial procedures. The proposed legislation also introduces measures on international cooperation, recovery of assets obtained through illicit activities, and obligations for companies to establish internal mechanisms to prevent and combat corruption. The reform comes as the DRC continues to face significant governance challenges, with corruption remaining a major concern in public administration and economic sectors. Authorities argue that the new legal framework will help strengthen accountability mechanisms and improve the country's business climate. Following its adoption by the government, the bill will now proceed to Parliament for examination by the National Assembly and the Senate before being submitted for presidential promulgation. Since President Félix Tshisekedi took office, several institutional reforms have been launched, including efforts to strengthen oversight bodies such as the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) and the Court of Auditors. However, civil society organizations and economic experts continue to call for stronger enforcement mechanisms and more binding measures to achieve lasting progress in the fight against corruption.