DRC Orders Nationwide Audit to Track Mining Export Revenues and Strengthen Foreign Exchange Controls
DR Congo Launches Mining Revenue Audit to Improve Export Traceability, Boost State Income and Protect Foreign Exchange Reserves
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to launch a comprehensive audit within 30 days to track mining export revenues from shipment through to foreign currency repatriation and final government revenue collection.
President Félix Tshisekedi issued the directive during the cabinet meeting held on April 24, 2026, signaling a renewed push to strengthen financial oversight in the country’s most important economic sector.
The decision comes as mining exports continue to reach record levels. According to official cabinet data, the DRC exported approximately 3,100,234 tons of copper and about 220,000 tons of cobalt in 2024.
Copper exports increased further in 2025, rising to roughly 3,403,006.63 tons, underscoring the sector’s growing production capacity and global demand for its minerals.
Despite strong output, government officials have identified revenue capture not production as the central challenge.
Authorities have raised concerns about weaknesses in the financial chain linking mineral exports to government income, including gaps in monitoring export proceeds and failures to fully repatriate foreign currency earnings generated by mining operations.
Existing Rules and Tighter Enforcement
Foreign exchange repatriation requirements are already governed by established regulations.
The Central Bank of Congo mandates that all foreign exchange transactions be registered and monitored through licensed commercial banks, with oversight from relevant public agencies.
In addition, the revised Mining Code requires mining companies to repatriate export revenues into the domestic financial system.
Under current rules, mining operators in the investment recovery phase are allowed to retain up to 40% of export revenues abroad while repatriating at least 60% into accounts held within the DRC.
Once the initial investment has been fully recovered, companies are required to repatriate 100% of their export earnings.
In 2025, the central bank strengthened enforcement by significantly increasing penalties for non-compliance. Fines for failing to declare foreign accounts were raised sharply, and new sanctions were introduced for practices such as false financial reporting and the use of shell companies to obscure revenue flows.
Strengthening Traceability Across the Mining Value Chain
The upcoming audit will focus on two core areas: compliance with foreign exchange repatriation obligations and the governance of joint ventures and state-owned mining assets. The review is expected to identify operational gaps, quantify uncollected revenues, and recommend corrective policy and administrative measures.
As part of the reform, the president has also instructed authorities to finalize the mandatory interconnection of key agencies involved in the mining sector.
These include logistics, customs, inspection, and financial institutions responsible for monitoring mineral exports and associated payments.
The objective is to create an integrated traceability system capable of tracking a single transaction from the issuance of logistics documentation through customs clearance, duty payments, foreign currency repatriation, and final government revenue collection.
Initial findings from the audit are expected by June 15, 2026. Officials view the reform as a critical step toward improving fiscal transparency, increasing foreign exchange reserves, and strengthening what the government describes as the country’s monetary sovereignty.
The initiative reflects a broader strategy to ensure that the rapid growth of the mining sector translates into stronger public finances and more sustainable economic management.
