The 12th edition of Expo Béton, held in Kinshasa, has brought together stakeholders to discuss the importance of a secure land registry in guaranteeing investments in the city's real estate sector. Mfumu Difima, president of the Conseil national de l’autorité traditionnelle et coutumière de la République démocratique du Congo (CONATC/RDC), emphasized that a secure land registry is crucial for sustainable urban development. He noted that without secure land ownership, investments in the sector are hindered.
According to Mfumu Difima, uncertainty over property titles is a major obstacle to investment in the real estate sector. He cited the communes of N’Sele, Maluku, and Mont Ngafula as areas where customary law, spontaneous occupation, and land speculation have led to recurrent land conflicts. The lack of a secure land registry has resulted in a situation where investments in these areas are not guaranteed.
Mfumu Difima expressed optimism that the new land law, which comes into effect in December 2025, will address these issues. The law abolishes land prescription, requires the full digitization of the land registry, and strengthens the responsibility of land administration agents. He noted that the success of the law will depend on the implementation of its provisions and the adoption of its application measures.
The CONATC/RDC president emphasized that a secure land registry will enable Kinshasa to play its role as a driver of urban transformation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He called for conditions to be put in place to make real estate investment traçable, opposable, and juridically guaranteed. This, he believes, will boost investor confidence in the sector.
Mfumu Difima's remarks were made in the context of the Congolese government's efforts to modernize the land sector. The government has recognized the importance of digitization in improving the efficiency and transparency of land administration. The new land law is expected to provide a framework for the implementation of these reforms.
The Expo Béton event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Kinshasa's real estate sector. The event highlighted the need for collaboration between government, traditional authorities, and private sector players to address the issues affecting the sector. Mfumu Difima's call for a secure land registry resonated with many participants.
The implementation of the new land law and the digitization of the land registry are expected to have a positive impact on the real estate sector in Kinshasa. A secure land registry will not only boost investor confidence but also reduce the risk of land conflicts. This, in turn, will contribute to sustainable urban development and economic growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Key points
- A secure land registry is crucial for sustainable urban development and investment in Kinshasa's real estate sector.
