DRC Central Bank Governor Highlights Digital Innovation and Economic Growth at Europe-Africa Investment Forum
DRC Positioned as Africa’s Next Tech and Economic Powerhouse — Central Bank Governor Wameso Outlines Vision
Last Friday, September 26, in Brussels, André Wameso, Governor of the Central Bank of Congo (BCC), took part in the Europe-Africa Investment Forum, where he reviewed the state of the Congolese economy and positioned the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a strategic hub for technological innovation and sustainable development in Africa.
In his speech, Governor Wameso emphasized the DRC’s demographic potential. With a population exceeding 100 million, of which 70% are under the age of 25 and a median age of 18, the country possesses a unique human capital advantage for driving economic transformation.
Economic Recovery and Growth
After decades of political instability and economic challenges, the DRC has been engaged in a program of reconstruction, democratization, and structural reforms since 2003. These efforts are beginning to show results.
According to International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections, the DRC is expected to achieve GDP growth of 6.3% in 2025, surpassing the regional average for sub-Saharan Africa.
Nevertheless, rapid population growth means that sustained economic transformation will require continued diversification of the economy.
Revenue Growth and Social Investment
Governor Wameso highlighted significant reforms that have improved public revenue collection. State revenues rose dramatically from an average of USD 4.2 billion (2018–2020) to nearly USD 9.4 billion in 2024.
A major portion of this increase has been reinvested in education, including a proactive policy of free primary education aimed at breaking cycles of inequality, especially benefiting young girls.
Currently, 63% of women in the DRC are economically active, with 62% participating in the workforce. Investments in education are expected to further strengthen these numbers.
“Putting young girls back in school means transforming the country and preparing the engines of economic digitalization and financial inclusion,” Governor Wameso said.
Digital Strategy at the Core of Transformation
Digital transformation is a central pillar of the DRC’s vision for the future. In 2021, the DRC adopted a Digital Code addressing data protection, digital financial inclusion, cybersecurity, and regulation of electronic transactions.
The Central Bank is committed to driving this transformation, particularly in enhancing monetary circulation and expanding digital payment systems — even in the most remote areas.
Leveraging smartphones, artificial intelligence, and data collection, banks will be able to assess creditworthiness and issue loans to small businesses almost instantly within the next 5 to 10 years.
For Governor Wameso, digitalization is not merely a matter of sovereignty — it is a matter of survival. It will:
Strengthen trust in financial systems
Improve traceability of transactions
Formalize the informal economy
Expand the tax base
“Thanks to digitalization, the DRC no longer wants to be seen solely as a reservoir of raw materials, but as a major driver of Africa’s digital transformation through education, especially the education of women,” he concluded.
