Félix Tshisekedi Leads Efforts to Ensure Congolese Franc Appreciation Benefits Households
Congolese Franc Strengthens: Tshisekedi Urges Government to Reflect Gains in Household Prices
Following his recommendation at the 63rd Council of Ministers meeting to establish a monitoring mechanism for the Congolese franc’s appreciation, President Félix Tshisekedi chaired an economic situation meeting on Wednesday evening, October 22, at the African Union City.
The session brought together the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Ministers in charge of Budget and National Economy, the Minister of Finance, and several other senior government officials.
President Tshisekedi emphasized the importance of consolidating citizens’ confidence in the national currency. He stated that the recent appreciation of the Congolese franc must be visible in the daily lives of Congolese households.
According to the Head of State, the franc’s appreciation should serve both as an indicator of macroeconomic stability and a lever to improve purchasing power, one of the six commitments he made upon his re-election.
Coordination Between Monetary and Budgetary Policies
Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Daniel Mukoko Samba highlighted that the Head of State had stressed the need for better coordination between monetary policy and budgetary policy, particularly in light of developments in the foreign exchange market.
“During this working session, the recent situation was reviewed, and several options were proposed for technical confirmation,” Minister Mukoko Samba said.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for next Friday to ensure that market price reductions align with the franc’s appreciation, allowing households to benefit from a real increase in purchasing power.
“Measures will also be taken regarding petroleum product prices, which could see further reductions in the coming days. In addition, enhanced monitoring will ensure that economic operators comply with these adjustments,” added Minister Mukoko Samba.
The Presidency’s communications unit confirmed that the Prime Minister will soon lead consultations with the private sector to harmonize actions, responding directly to public demand for the franc’s appreciation to reflect in the cost of basic necessities.
Congolese Franc Shows Strong Appreciation
Over the past few weeks, the Congolese franc has strengthened significantly against the US dollar. While the exchange rate was around 2,850 CDF per dollar in August 2025, it now ranges between 2,200 and 2,300 CDF, and occasionally fluctuates around 1,900 to 2,000 CDF in some regions.
The Central Bank of Congo (BCC) attributes this positive trend to several measures:
Direct intervention in the foreign exchange market on August 18, 2025, through a USD 50 million transfer.
Updating the exchange rate applied to the mandatory reserve on dollar deposits, crystallized in national currency since December 2021, resulting in a collection of CDF 371 billion at the first level.
Improved organization and transparency of the foreign exchange market.
Enhanced management of banking liquidity.
Monetary Policy Adjustments
In light of the franc’s strengthened position, the BCC’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has eased its monetary policy. The key rate has been reduced from 25% to 17.5%, a drop of 750 basis points, while the marginal lending facility rate has decreased from 30% to 21.5%.
These adjustments aim to support economic growth, stimulate private investment, and consolidate the Congolese franc’s renewed stability.
