DRC president urges balanced tax recovery for mining sector growth

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has directed tax authorities to scale back aggressive fiscal recovery tactics targeting mining companies. The move aims to safeguard investor confidence in a sector critical to the nation’s economy.

The DRC stands as the world’s top cobalt producer and Africa’s second-largest copper exporter, with both minerals contributing significantly to export earnings. However, President Tshisekedi has criticized repeated account seizures, asset freezes, and inconsistent tax measures imposed on mining operators. He argues these actions inflate operational costs, undermine sector competitiveness, and may deter future foreign investment.

Prioritizing dialogue over coercion

The head of state has mandated that the Ministries of Economy, Finance, and Mines—alongside relevant fiscal agencies—ensure all recovery actions are legally grounded and applied only in exceptional cases. He emphasized leveraging existing legal frameworks that promote prior notification, mediation, and conciliation before resorting to enforcement.

During a cabinet meeting, President Tshisekedi outlined his vision for a mining sector that is both competitive and transparent. This vision hinges on a stable legal framework, predictable administrative decisions, and continuous engagement between the government and business stakeholders.

Ongoing disputes and regulatory shifts

These directives follow persistent tensions between Kinshasa and major mining multinationals. In 2025, the General Inspectorate of Finance accused several firms—including Chinese operator CMOC and Swiss trader Glencore—of underreporting billions in revenue, thereby reducing contributions to national development funds. The accused companies denied the allegations.

Days before the presidential announcement, Congolese tax authorities shuttered Glencore’s local offices amid a fiscal dispute. The Swiss conglomerate reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue while denying any wrongdoing. It remains unclear whether the president’s instructions were directly tied to this incident, as the presidency has not yet responded to inquiries.

In a separate directive, President Tshisekedi also ordered the immediate withdrawal of military and police personnel stationed unlawfully on mining sites. He stated that such presence fuels fraud, smuggling, and insecurity while tarnishing the DRC’s reputation among global investors.