DRC and Angola Central Banks Sign Cooperation Agreement to Deepen Financial Integration
DRC and Angola Central Banks Sign MoU to Boost Cross-Border Payments, Financial Integration and Trade
The Central Bank of Congo (BCC) and the National Bank of Angola (BNA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen financial and monetary cooperation between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola, marking a significant step toward deeper regional economic integration.
The agreement was signed on July 8, 2026, in Luanda by BCC Governor André Wameso Nkualoloki and BNA Governor Manuel António Tiago Dias.
It establishes a permanent framework for institutional collaboration designed to enhance financial stability, improve cross-border payment systems, and support closer economic ties between the two neighboring countries.
The partnership is expected to facilitate bilateral trade by making financial transactions faster, more secure, and more cost-effective for businesses, investors, and financial institutions operating across the DRC–Angola border.
As trade between the two countries continues to grow, stronger cooperation between their monetary authorities is expected to improve the efficiency of cross-border commerce and investment.
A key component of the agreement is the development and integration of payment systems.
By improving the interoperability of financial infrastructure, the two central banks aim to reduce transaction costs, shorten settlement times, and enhance payment security.
These improvements are expected to strengthen trade flows while supporting broader regional economic integration in Central and Southern Africa.
Beyond payment systems, the memorandum establishes cooperation across several core areas of central banking, including monetary policy, exchange rate management, international reserve management, banking supervision, prudential regulation, economic research, and financial risk management.
Through regular technical exchanges and knowledge sharing, both institutions intend to strengthen their regulatory and supervisory capabilities in response to an evolving financial landscape.
The agreement also outlines a long-term objective of promoting greater convertibility of the Congolese franc and the Angolan kwanza.
Although this remains a medium- to long-term goal, it reflects the commitment of both central banks to creating a more seamless financial environment that supports bilateral trade and investment.
In addition, the MoU reinforces cooperation in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism while promoting financial inclusion and financial literacy.
These measures are intended to strengthen the resilience of both financial systems, improve regulatory compliance, and enhance investor confidence.
To support ongoing collaboration, the two institutions will establish a bilateral forum for information sharing and coordinated supervision of financial institutions engaged in cross-border operations.
Enhanced regulatory cooperation is expected to improve oversight, strengthen financial stability, and help mitigate systemic risks that could affect both banking sectors.
The signing of the memorandum underscores the shared commitment of the Central Bank of Congo and the National Bank of Angola to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen financial integration.
By reinforcing collaboration between their monetary authorities, the two countries are laying the foundation for a more stable, efficient, and interconnected financial system that supports trade, investment, and sustainable regional growth.
