DRC Launches Nationwide Subcontracting Oversight to Boost Local Businesses and Economic Growth
DRC Launches Comprehensive Oversight of Subcontracting to Boost Local Content and Economic Growth
The Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP) has officially launched a nationwide oversight programme to regulate subcontracting activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
At the launch event, ARSP Director General Miguel Kashal called on principal companies and subcontractors to work together to ensure the success of this initiative.
“Through this launch, we pay tribute to President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, who has placed the ARSP at the centre of his strategy to create a strong Congolese middle class through entrepreneurship,” Kashal said.
He also commended the government, led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, for its commitment to advancing the local content policy.
Progress in Subcontracting Oversight
The latest controls have been rolled out in Kinshasa, Lualaba, Haut-Katanga, Haut-Uélé, Kasaï Oriental, North Kivu, and South Kivu, marking significant progress since the introduction of the subcontracting law eight years ago.
Initially challenged by the lack of a legal framework, the law is now becoming a powerful driver of local economic growth.
Key achievements include:
Effective Implementation: The law has been operationalised through collaboration with leading companies across sectors.
Expanded Database: Over 15,000 subcontractors are now registered with ARSP — up from 3,000 in 2023.
Investor Awareness: Foreign investors are increasingly recognising the value of partnering with Congolese subcontractors.
Promoting Partnerships: Networking initiatives have helped integrate local subcontractors into larger supply chains.
Transparency in Contracting: Calls for tenders are now published in compliance with Article 10 of the subcontracting law.
Market Oversight: A monitoring commission has been established to prevent favouritism in contract awards.
Audit Results and Economic Impact
The first audit in 2023 led to a notable reduction in unregulated subcontracting. The 2024 audit revealed both resistance and progress, with subcontracting turnover reaching USD 2,045,092,298.
Of this amount, mining companies accounted for 98.65%, followed by telecommunications (0.93%), cement (0.34%), breweries (0.07%), and the agri-food sector (0.02%).
Director General Kashal stressed the importance of diversifying subcontracting opportunities across all sectors to achieve over USD 8 billion in value.
“Strong actions are being taken to expand subcontracting and embed it in every corner of the national economy,” Kashal said.
This national subcontracting oversight marks a strategic step for the DRC to strengthen local content, promote economic inclusion, and empower Congolese entrepreneurs.
