The Centre de Recherche en Finances Publiques et Développement Local (CREFDL) has acknowledged the positive performance of certain revenue-generating activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the first half of 2026. However, the organization notes that several dysfunctions affect the credibility of budget forecasts and limit public revenue mobilization. These issues include problems with communication and persistent discrepancies between data from tax services and the General Directorate of Taxes and Revenue (DGRAD).
CREFDL's analysis of non-fiscal revenue forecasts reveals that despite the good performance of certain revenue-generating activities, it is challenging to achieve similar results by the end of 2026 or next year. This is because the most performing taxes are punctual. The organization attributes the poor collection of taxes and fees to a lack of control, which encourages tax evasion, smuggling, and money laundering. This situation creates an immediate loss for the state's budget.
To address these challenges, CREFDL recommends that the government update its forecasts to reflect ground realities and new legal provisions contained in the Finance Laws of 2024, 2025, and 2026. The organization also suggests organizing control missions in provinces and strengthening inter-institutional collaboration. Additionally, CREFDL proposes postponing the transfer of the Minimum Personal Income Tax (IPM) to the FSD-FARDC to prevent the asphyxiation of local governments.
CREFDL's recommendations also include exploring innovative financing options, particularly in the telecommunications sector, to support the FSD-FARDC in 2027. The organization emphasizes the need to strengthen the capacities of tax agents and continue the computerization of the revenue chain through LOGIRAD. Furthermore, CREFDL suggests reinvigorating control over revenue perception at all levels to prevent tax evasion and working with civil society to promote tax civism.
The organization's analysis focuses on the evolution of non-fiscal revenue mobilized from January to June 2026, the credibility of statistics, and the 2027 revenue projections proposed by tax services. CREFDL's findings highlight the need for the government to take concrete actions to improve revenue mobilization and reduce the country's reliance on borrowing.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's government faces significant challenges in mobilizing revenue, which affects its ability to fund public policies and services. The country's economy is heavily reliant on external financing, which can be unpredictable and unsustainable. By implementing CREFDL's recommendations, the government can improve its revenue mobilization and reduce its dependence on external financing.
The implementation of CREFDL's recommendations will require close collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders. The organization emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach to address the complex challenges facing the country's revenue mobilization. By working together, the government and its partners can develop effective solutions to improve revenue mobilization and support the country's economic development.
Key points
- The Centre de Recherche en Finances Publiques et Développement Local (CREFDL) recommends 10 priorities to improve revenue mobilization in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The organization's analysis highlights the need for the government to update its forecasts, strengthen control missions, and explore innovative financing options.
- The implementation of CREFDL's recommendations will require close collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders.
