Central Bank of Congo Cuts Interest Rates Amid Strong Franc and Positive Economic Outlook
Central Bank of Congo Lowers Key Rate from 25% to 17.5% as Congolese Franc Strengthens and Economic Stability Improves
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo — In response to an improving economic environment and a stronger national currency, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) has announced a significant easing of its monetary policy.
According to André Wameso, Governor of the Central Bank of Congo, the benchmark interest rate has been reduced from 25.0% to 17.5%, marking a 750-basis-point cut. Additionally, the rate on marginal lending facilities was lowered from 30.0% to 21.5%.
The reserve requirement ratios remain unchanged at 12.0% for sight deposits and 0.0% for term deposits in domestic currency, as well as 13.0% and 12.0%, respectively, for sight and term deposits in foreign currencies.
A Policy Shift Backed by Currency Strength
This monetary easing follows a notable 11.6% appreciation of the Congolese franc on the official market over the past two weeks. Governor Wameso described the decision as part of the BCC’s broader strategy for financial stability and efforts to restore public confidence in the national currency.
“We will work tirelessly to restore confidence in our national currency,” Wameso said after the MPC meeting. “Together with the entire staff of the Central Bank, we are determined to make the Congolese people proud of their currency. The franc is showing its strength, and we will continue to maintain this positive trajectory.”
Wameso also dismissed political criticism of the BCC’s recent policy actions, emphasizing that the institution remains focused solely on macroeconomic stability and monetary credibility.
Inflation and Price Adjustments
Addressing concerns about the slow decline in market prices despite the franc’s appreciation, Governor Wameso clarified that price control is not the direct responsibility of the Central Bank.
However, he acknowledged that the appreciation of the national currency should, over time, ease import costs and gradually reduce prices of imported goods.
“Most goods consumed in the DRC are imported and paid for in U.S. dollars,” he explained. “With the strengthening of the franc, we should see prices start to decline — and we’re already observing this trend for some products.”
Wameso also pointed to two economic factors behind the lag in price adjustments:
Price rigidity, where businesses are cautious about lowering prices until exchange rate stability is fully confirmed; and
Delayed effects, meaning that market responses to currency movements often occur gradually.
Government Commends Central Bank Efforts
During the 61st meeting of the Council of Ministers, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo praised the Central Bank and the government’s economic team for their coordinated actions that have strengthened the Congolese franc against the U.S. dollar on the interbank market.
President Tshisekedi described the currency’s appreciation as a clear signal of improved policy coordination and sound economic management, reflecting both proactive monetary measures and favorable economic fundamentals.
A Broader Vision for Economic Empowerment
Strengthening the purchasing power of the Congolese people remains one of the six key commitments outlined by President Tshisekedi in his second-term agenda, as part of the Government Action Program (PAG 2024–2028) led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa.
This monetary policy adjustment by the BCC is viewed as an important step toward achieving that vision — supporting growth, stabilizing prices, and enhancing confidence in the Congolese franc as a symbol of national resilience.
