DRC’s Félix Tshisekedi urges balanced tax recovery in mining sector

President Tshisekedi calls for moderation in mining tax enforcement

The Congolese head of state, Félix Tshisekedi, has directed the country’s tax authorities to refrain from aggressive debt recovery tactics against mining companies, warning that such measures undermine investor confidence in the sector. The directive, issued during a July 2026 cabinet meeting in Kinshasa, emphasizes the need to balance fiscal obligations with economic stability.

As the world’s top cobalt producer and Africa’s second-largest copper exporter, the Democratic Republic of the Congo relies heavily on mining revenues. President Tshisekedi expressed concern over repeated account seizures, asset freezes, and unpredictable tax measures, which he argues inflate operational costs, weaken sector competitiveness, and deter foreign investment.

Preventive measures over punitive actions

In response, Tshisekedi instructed the Ministries of Economy, Finance, and Mines, along with tax authorities, to ensure that any recovery actions are legally justified and used only as a last resort. He stressed the importance of dialogue, advance notifications, and mediation mechanisms outlined in Congolese law to resolve disputes.

The president outlined a vision for a transparent and competitive mining industry, built on stable regulations, predictable administrative decisions, and continuous collaboration between the government and private sector.

Earlier tensions with multinational mining firms came to a head in 2025, when the General Inspectorate of Finance accused several companies—including China’s CMOC and Switzerland’s Glencore—of underreporting revenues by billions, reducing their contributions to state development funds. Both firms denied the allegations.

Just days before the president’s directive, Congolese tax officials had temporarily shuttered Glencore’s local offices amid a tax dispute. The company reiterated its commitment to resolving the issue through dialogue, though no official link has been established between its case and the president’s instructions.

In a separate move, Tshisekedi ordered the immediate withdrawal of security forces stationed unlawfully at mining sites, citing their role in facilitating fraud, smuggling, and insecurity while harming the country’s investment appeal.