ARSP Orders Cancellation of Irregular Subcontracting Contracts at Matadi Gateway Terminal
DRC: ARSP Cancels Irregular Subcontracting Contracts Between MGT and 50 Ineligible Companies
The Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP) has ordered the cancellation of several irregular subcontracting contracts concluded between Matadi Gateway Terminal (MGT) and around fifty companies deemed ineligible to operate in the sector.
The decision follows a compliance inspection carried out by ARSP officials at the port operator in November 2025.
The audit revealed that a number of contracts had been awarded to companies that were not registered or authorized to provide subcontracting services under Congolese law.
According to the regulator, the contracts violated the provisions of Law No. 17/001 governing subcontracting in the private sector, which requires that companies participating in subcontracting activities be duly approved and listed in the ARSP registry.
Contracts Cancelled After Compliance Inspection
Following the findings of the inspection mission, ARSP ordered the termination of all contracts signed with the ineligible companies.
The measure aims to restore compliance with the legal framework governing subcontracting and ensure that only authorized firms participate in such activities.
However, the authority emphasized that the objective of the decision is not to disrupt the operations of the port facility.
To avoid operational delays, ARSP has instructed Matadi Gateway Terminal to relaunch calls for tenders within 30 days for all contracts previously awarded to the disqualified companies.
The new tendering process must comply with national subcontracting regulations and prioritize eligible companies.
Promoting Opportunities for Congolese SMEs
The regulator stressed that the decision is part of a broader effort to enforce local-content regulations and expand economic opportunities for Congolese businesses.
The subcontracting law aims to ensure that a significant portion of contracts generated by large companies operating in the country benefit local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
ARSP has repeatedly warned that companies attempting to bypass these rules by awarding contracts to ineligible or foreign-controlled firms risk administrative sanctions.
Recent regulatory measures have also targeted strategic sectors such as mining supply chains, where authorities have tightened subcontracting requirements to strengthen local participation in the industry.
Supporting the Government’s Economic Vision
The enforcement action is aligned with the policy promoted by President Félix Tshisekedi, which seeks to increase the participation of Congolese companies in major economic activities.
Authorities believe that strengthening local subcontracting opportunities will help stimulate entrepreneurship, create jobs, and contribute to the emergence of a strong Congolese middle class.
Strategic Role of Matadi Gateway Terminal
Matadi Gateway Terminal plays a key role in the country’s maritime logistics system and is one of the main gateways for imports and exports.
The terminal has recently undertaken several expansion projects to improve capacity and efficiency, including infrastructure upgrades and investments in modern cargo-handling equipment to support growing trade volumes.
By enforcing subcontracting regulations within such strategic facilities, authorities hope to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are more widely shared among Congolese enterprises.
ARSP announced that the complete text of the decision detailing the cancelled contracts and compliance measures will be made available for public consultation.
