• The Democratic Republic of Congo reduced emergency spending to 10.78% of total expenditure in Q4 2025, down from 20.97% in Q2.

• Security outlays accounted for more than 93% of total emergency spending at end-2025.

• The International Monetary Fund approved an immediate $442.4 million disbursement in December 2025 to support ongoing reforms.

The Democratic Republic of Congo significantly reduced its reliance on emergency spending in 2025, although persistent security and health challenges continued to weigh on public finances.

The share of expenditures executed under emergency procedures fell to 10.78% in the fourth quarter of 2025, after peaking at 20.97% in the second quarter, according to a statement that the Ministry of Finance published on Sunday, March 1. The figure represents a decline of more than 10 percentage points within six months.

In absolute terms, authorities reduced emergency commitments to 943.14 billion Congolese francs in the fourth quarter from 1,696.95 billion francs ($745.1 million) in the second quarter. Security-related spending absorbed the bulk of these outlays and accounted for more than 93% of total emergency expenditure at end-2025.

The ministry stated:“Apart from security requirements, the proportion of emergency spending remains marginal, confirming that the normal budget execution chain remains the rule.” The ministry added that this trend aligned with commitments that the government made under its program with the International Monetary Fund.

Emergency expenditures fall outside the approved budget framework and require rapid mobilization in response to exceptional circumstances. In recent years, the Democratic Republic of Congo has faced a prolonged security crisis, recurring epidemics, and food insecurity, all of which have exerted sustained pressure on state finances.

In support of fiscal efforts, the International Monetary Fund approved an immediate disbursement of $442.4 million in December 2025 under ongoing reform programs.

Looking ahead, the Congolese government plans a $20.3 billion budget for 2026. Authorities increased the allocation by 16.4% compared with the revised 2025 budget of $17.6 billion. The government will allocate nearly 15% of the 2026 envelope to defense in order to address security challenges while supporting economic diversification and infrastructure development.

Although the country reduced emergency spending markedly, the ratio remains above the 8% threshold that the Bretton Woods institution recommends.

Charlène N’dimon