The Democratic Republic of Congo has initiated a new commercial offensive, focusing on strengthening economic ties with the United Kingdom and Ukraine. According to Julien Paluku, the Minister of Foreign Trade, technical discussions were held with the UK's ambassador to the DRC, Zoë Ware, and Ukraine's ambassador, Vasyl Hamianin, on September 22, 2026. The talks centered on concluding new commercial cooperation frameworks, enhancing bilateral trade, and exploring investment opportunities.
With the UK, the discussions focused on operationalizing the commercial partnership launched in November 2025. The Congolese government highlighted that 99.8% of products made in the DRC benefit from duty-free access to the British market. Paluku sees this preferential access as a chance to increase market outlets for Congolese producers and exporters. The next step involves finalizing a memorandum of understanding between the two countries, covering areas such as sanitary and phytosanitary standards, support for local producers, and digitalization of border posts.
A mixed team of experts has been given a one-week deadline to finalize the draft memorandum. The meeting also touched on the upcoming DRC-UK Economic Forum, scheduled for November 2-4, 2026, in London. The forum aims to bring together public and private sector representatives from both countries to discuss commercial and investment opportunities. Paluku emphasized the importance of these initiatives in diversifying Congolese products' outlets and facilitating trade.
The DRC is also showing interest in the Ukrainian market. Paluku's discussion with Ambassador Hamianin centered on strengthening economic and commercial cooperation between Kinshasa and Kiev, with the prospect of concluding a bilateral trade agreement soon. Both parties are considering organizing cross-border commercial missions, with a Congolese delegation potentially visiting Kiev and a Ukrainian mission expected in Kinshasa.
These developments occur as the Congolese government engages with various partners to diversify its products' outlets and facilitate trade. The UK is among the countries with a preferential market for several Congolese products, while the government continues negotiating commercial deals with other international partners. Paluku aims to advance two dossiers simultaneously: implementing the commercial partnership with the UK and preparing a bilateral agreement with Ukraine.
Key areas of focus include training exporters, facilitating trade, organizing commercial missions, and accessing new markets. The Congolese government is working to create a more favorable business environment, attracting investors, and promoting economic growth. The minister's efforts reflect the country's desire to strengthen its economic ties with other nations and capitalize on new opportunities.
The DRC's commercial offensive is part of a broader strategy to boost economic development and improve living standards for its citizens. By expanding its trade relationships and exploring new markets, the country aims to increase its economic competitiveness and reduce its dependence on traditional partners. The success of these initiatives will depend on various factors, including the government's ability to implement its plans and attract foreign investment.
Key points
- The DRC has initiated new commercial partnerships with the UK and Ukraine, aiming to increase trade and investment opportunities.
- The country is working to diversify its products' outlets and facilitate trade, with a focus on training exporters and accessing new markets.
- The DRC's commercial offensive is part of a broader strategy to boost economic development and improve living standards for its citizens.
