Anthony Nkinzo Appointed Chief of Staff to Congolese President
Anthony Nkinzo has been appointed Chief of Staff to the Congolese Head of State. His appointment was announced on Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC) on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
Prior to his new role, Nkinzo served as the Director General of the National Agency for the Promotion of Investments (ANAPI). During his tenure at ANAPI, he actively participated in discussions on business climate reforms, most recently at a panel during DRC Mining Week.
In his speech on investment priorities, Nkinzo addressed the complexities of improving the business climate to attract investors. He emphasized the multifaceted nature of the issue, covering judicial, legal, tax, and corruption aspects, as well as the cultural considerations necessary for investors and their families.
“This issue is very complex and deserves to be studied on all levels. We have the judicial, legal, tax, and corruption questions, all of which influence the business climate.
Most focus only on tax and administrative hassles. There is also a cultural aspect. Investors who come with their families need suitable schools, all of which must be considered,” he explained.
Nkinzo highlighted the need for harmonization among the 26 provincial boards and three tax administrations, each with its own control schedule. “Is it legal for the same company to be subject to controls by all these services? We need harmonization of tax controls,” he stated.
Throughout his career, Nkinzo has advocated for the establishment of a one-stop shop for all tax administrations to streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
He also stressed the importance of the National Order of Chartered Accountants (ONEC) and other structures in proposing comprehensive solutions, including a unified control schedule.
Nkinzo emphasized the need for high-quality public officials to reduce corruption and administrative issues. He also underscored the importance of understanding and implementing legal reforms, noting his efforts to communicate these changes effectively.
He acknowledged the role of the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) and its regulations, despite resistance from public companies.
Nkinzo highlighted the President’s commitment to improving the business climate through the establishment of the Business Climate Unit.
“We have implemented reforms in collaboration with the private sector. The existence of ONEC demonstrates the State’s responsibility with well-trained accounting experts.
As economic operators complain about numerous taxes, the question arises: what taxes do you have to pay?” he posed to the audience.
The panel included notable participants such as the Belgian Ambassador Roxane de Bildering, Pamela Ilunga, Deputy Managing Director of Vodacom, Louison Kiyombo, Managing Director of KPMG/Partner in charge of Tax & Legal, and Molebogeng Mazibuko, Vice President Partner/Investment Division at AFC Africa.
