Ted Beleshayi Kasanda, the newly appointed Director General of the Autorité de régulation de la sous-traitance dans le secteur privé (ARSP) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has outlined the institution's achievements and plans for the first 100 days of his tenure. Beleshayi took office on June 11, 2026, and has since prioritized action over lengthy discussions. His strategy is built around three main pillars: reform, modernization, and regulation.
One of the key areas of focus for Beleshayi has been the digitalization of ARSP services. This includes the dematerialization of registration processes, deployment of remote declaration systems, modernization of IT tools, and optimization of data management. The goal is to reduce administrative burdens and make ARSP services more accessible and transparent to the public. Additionally, the institution has initiated an audit of its financial commitments and rationalized its expenditures to enhance financial management.
The ARSP under Beleshayi's leadership has also emphasized the importance of regulating the subcontracting sector. This involves resuming inspections and strengthening compliance controls to ensure adherence to legislation and combat non-compliant practices. However, Beleshayi stresses that regulation should not be an end in itself but rather a means to enforce the law and correct trajectories sustainably. The regulation is expected to serve as a lever for growth.
Beleshayi's approach to regulation is accompanied by a process of professionalizing the body of controllers and inspectors. The aim is to have competent and integrity-driven teams. Integrity and fairness are highlighted as guiding principles for decision-making at ARSP. The institution has revised its organic framework, clarified responsibilities, created job descriptions, and reinforced internal discipline to improve its functioning and personnel capacities.
A major objective for the ARSP under Beleshayi is to strengthen the participation of Congolese-owned enterprises in subcontracting value chains. The institution aims to be more readable, accessible, predictable, and equitable, thereby supporting businesses in accessing opportunities. This includes addressing the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in terms of financing. The ARSP plans to intensify dialogue with banks and financial institutions to diversify financing options for Congolese entrepreneurs.
The ARSP is also focusing on implementing the new legal framework on local content. Through the application of the Law on local content in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the institution seeks to transform regulatory obligations into economic opportunities. The goal is to promote job creation, technology transfer, and increased national added value. This policy is part of the broader effort to make subcontracting an instrument for Congolese enterprises to play a more significant role in value chains.
Beleshayi views the first 100 days as a foundation rather than a culmination. He announced that the next phase will focus on acceleration around clear priorities, including intensifying efforts to support Congolese entrepreneurs and enhancing the impact of ARSP on national development. The success of this policy requires the mobilization of multiple actors, as subcontracting is seen as a collective challenge that demands global cooperation.
Key points
- The ARSP's 100-day plan focuses on digitalization, financial control, and professionalization under Ted Beleshayi's leadership.
- The institution aims to support Congolese entrepreneurs by enhancing access to financing and implementing the local content law.
- The next phase of ARSP's strategy will prioritize acceleration and intensification of its support for Congolese enterprises.
