FATF Status

The Democratic Republic of Congo is on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Latest FATF Statement - 25 October 2024

Since October 2022, when the DRC made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GABAC to strengthen the effectiveness of its AML/CFT regime, the DRC has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by providing training to supervisory authorities and the FIU to build their technical capacity. The DRC should continue to work to implement its FATF action plan to address its strategic deficiencies, including by: (1) developing and implementing a risk-based supervision plan; (2) building the capacity of the FIU to conduct operational and strategic analysis; (3) strengthening the capabilities of authorities involved in the investigation and prosecution of ML and TF; and (4) demonstrating effective implementation of TF and PF-related TFS. 

European Commission List of Countries with Strategic Deficiencies in their AML/CFT Regimes

The Democratic Republic of Congo is on the EU Commission list of High Risk jurisdictions which have been identified as having strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes that pose significant threats to the financial system of the European Union (‘high-risk third countries’).

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The last Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in the Democratic Republic of Congo was undertaken in 2021. According to that Evaluation, he Democratic Republic of Congo was deemed Compliant for 0 and Largely Compliant for 4 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It was also deemed Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective for 0 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

Corruption remains a significant issue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), undermining the effectiveness of anti-corruption laws and creating a challenging investment climate. Despite the government's efforts, such as the establishment of the Agency for Prevention and Combating Corruption and the promotion of internal codes of conduct within private companies, the implementation of these measures is inconsistent and often influenced by political factors. The DRC ranks poorly on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating a pervasive culture of bribery and clientelism that hampers fair competition and economic transparency.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is endowed with vast natural resources, including significant mineral deposits and hydroelectric potential, positioning it as a potentially attractive market for investment. Despite facing economic challenges, the DRC's economy was the third fastest growing in Africa in 2022, driven primarily by a dynamic mining sector, which contributed to a robust GDP growth of 7.8 percent in 2023. However, the economy remains vulnerable to inflationary pressures and climate change risks, particularly in the agricultural sector, which employs over 60 percent of the workforce.

The investment climate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is improving, driven by significant reforms aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in the mining and telecommunications sectors. The DRC's abundant natural resources, including cobalt and copper, continue to attract global investors, with FDI comprising 72.9 percent of total investments, primarily from countries like China and Great Britain. However, challenges such as a sluggish judicial system, corruption, and human rights abuses in the artisanal mining sector persist, impacting investor confidence.