Economic Outlook in the DRC - April 2026
Economic Outlook in the DRC - April 2026
Relative macroeconomic stability, first sovereign Eurobond issuance and rising fiscal risks linked to energy tensions
BDO DRC releases the April 2026 edition of its monthly Economic Outlook note on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This publication provides a structured analysis of recent macroeconomic developments in a context characterized by sustained growth, relatively contained inflation, exchange rate stability, and historically high international reserves.
Real GDP growth is estimated at 5.8% in 2025, including 8.7% growth in the mining sector and 4.8% growth in non-extractive sectors.
This dynamic continues to support exports, public revenues, and foreign exchange inflows, while also confirming the structural dependence of the Congolese economy on the extractive sector.
Monthly inflation reached 0.98% in April 2026, while year-on-year inflation stood at 2.5%.
Relative exchange rate stability, Central Bank interventions, and domestic price stabilization mechanisms have helped limit inflationary pressures.
However, persistently high international oil prices could gradually increase implicit fiscal pressures associated with fuel price stabilization mechanisms.
The “Mbote” operation enabled the country to raise USD 1.25 billion on international financial markets through 5-year and 10-year maturities.
This issuance represents an important step toward diversifying public financing sources and integrating the DRC into international capital markets.
At the same time, it raises growing challenges related to fiscal sustainability, prudent debt management, and the effective use of mobilized resources.
International reserves reached approximately USD 7.8 billion, corresponding to nearly three months of import coverage.
This situation strengthens the Central Bank’s intervention capacity and supports macroeconomic stability.
Insights for businesses and investors
This publication provides decision-oriented insights regarding:
Sources
This analysis is based on data and publications from:
Authors
Yves AWA MUGUMA
Advisory Supervisor, BDO DRC
Blaise MBATSHI
Country Senior Partner & Managing Director, BDO RDC
BDO DRC releases the April 2026 edition of its monthly Economic Outlook note on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This publication provides a structured analysis of recent macroeconomic developments in a context characterized by sustained growth, relatively contained inflation, exchange rate stability, and historically high international reserves.
Continued growth driven by the extractive sector
Economic growth remains largely supported by the mining sector, benefiting from relatively high international prices for the DRC’s main export commodities.Real GDP growth is estimated at 5.8% in 2025, including 8.7% growth in the mining sector and 4.8% growth in non-extractive sectors.
This dynamic continues to support exports, public revenues, and foreign exchange inflows, while also confirming the structural dependence of the Congolese economy on the extractive sector.
Contained inflation despite international energy pressures
Inflation remains broadly contained despite persistent tensions in international energy and food markets.Monthly inflation reached 0.98% in April 2026, while year-on-year inflation stood at 2.5%.
Relative exchange rate stability, Central Bank interventions, and domestic price stabilization mechanisms have helped limit inflationary pressures.
However, persistently high international oil prices could gradually increase implicit fiscal pressures associated with fuel price stabilization mechanisms.
The DRC’s first sovereign Eurobond issuance
April 2026 was marked by the DRC’s first sovereign Eurobond issuance.The “Mbote” operation enabled the country to raise USD 1.25 billion on international financial markets through 5-year and 10-year maturities.
This issuance represents an important step toward diversifying public financing sources and integrating the DRC into international capital markets.
At the same time, it raises growing challenges related to fiscal sustainability, prudent debt management, and the effective use of mobilized resources.
Relatively favorable external conditions
The exchange rate remained relatively stable around CDF 2,307/USD in April 2026, supported by mining revenues and Central Bank interventions.International reserves reached approximately USD 7.8 billion, corresponding to nearly three months of import coverage.
This situation strengthens the Central Bank’s intervention capacity and supports macroeconomic stability.
Insights for businesses and investors
This publication provides decision-oriented insights regarding:
- macroeconomic developments
- fiscal and energy-related risks
- monetary and financial conditions
- extractive sector opportunities
- implications of the sovereign Eurobond issuance
Sources
This analysis is based on data and publications from:
- Central Bank of the Congo (BCC)
- Ministry of Budget of the DRC
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- World Bank
- National Statistics Institute (INS)
Authors
Yves AWA MUGUMA
Advisory Supervisor, BDO DRC
Blaise MBATSHI
Country Senior Partner & Managing Director, BDO RDC
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