Félix Tshisekedi calls for restraint in mining tax enforcement
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi has directed fiscal authorities to scale back aggressive tax recovery measures targeting mining companies. The directive aims to safeguard the country’s appeal to foreign investors in a sector critical to the national economy.
As the world’s leading cobalt producer and Africa’s second-largest copper supplier, the DRC relies heavily on mineral exports for its revenue. President Tshisekedi has criticized financial regulators for repeatedly freezing corporate bank accounts and imposing unpredictable tax measures, arguing these actions inflate operational costs for miners, undermine sector competitiveness, and may deter future investments.
Dialogue over coercion in mining tax disputes
To address these concerns, the President has instructed the Ministries of Economy, Finance, and Mines—as well as relevant revenue agencies—to ensure all tax recovery actions are legally justified and used sparingly. He emphasized prioritizing dialogue, advance notifications, and conciliation mechanisms as outlined in Congolese law.
Speaking to government officials, Tshisekedi outlined his vision for a competitive and transparent mining industry, supported by a stable legal framework, predictable administrative decisions, and ongoing engagement between the state and business operators.
Ongoing tensions with major mining firms
These directives follow ongoing friction between Kinshasa and several multinational mining corporations. In 2025, the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) alleged that major players—including Chinese firm CMOC and Swiss trader Glencore—had underreported billions in revenue, thereby reducing their contributions to state development funds. Both companies denied the accusations.
Days before the presidential order, Congolese tax authorities shut down Glencore’s local offices amid a fiscal dispute. The Swiss company has since reiterated its commitment to resolving the issue while rejecting any wrongdoing. While it remains unclear whether Tshisekedi’s instructions were directly tied to this case, the presidency has not yet responded to inquiries on the matter.
In a separate order, the President also demanded the immediate withdrawal of military and police personnel stationed illegally on mining sites. He contended that such presence fuels fraud, smuggling, and insecurity while damaging the DRC’s reputation with foreign investors.
