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 - 21 February 2025

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 establishing a mechanism to promote interagency coordination and cooperation on both ML and TF at the operational level. 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 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a pervasive issue that significantly hampers the country's investment climate, making it one of the least competitive globally. Despite the existence of anti-corruption laws and initiatives, such as the establishment of an anti-corruption office and promises from President Tshisekedi to combat corruption, enforcement remains inconsistent and often politically motivated. The entrenched nature of corruption, particularly in public procurement and extractive industries, along with the lack of accountability for government officials, continues to undermine efforts for transparency and fair competition.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is endowed with vast natural resources, including 1,100 minerals and precious metals, and has 80 million hectares of arable land, positioning it as a potentially wealthy nation. However, the country faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, high levels of corruption, and a fragile security situation, which hinder economic development and contribute to widespread poverty, with 75 percent of its population living on less than two dollars a day.

The investment climate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is challenging, characterized by inadequate infrastructure, high levels of corruption, and a fragile security situation due to the presence of armed groups, particularly in the eastern regions. Despite these obstacles, the DRC's rich natural resources and recent political changes under President Felix Tshilombo Tshisekedi have generated some optimism among investors for potential improvements in transparency and governance. However, the country still ranks low in the World Bank's Doing Business report, indicating significant barriers to foreign direct investment.