• DRC agencies sign deal to monitor financial flows in infrastructure projects
• Partnership aims to improve transparency, traceability, prevent corruption and money laundering
• DRC seeks credibility as IMF warns illicit flows undermine economy

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Agency for Oversight, Coordination and Monitoring of Collaboration Agreements (APCSC) and the National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENAREF) have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen oversight of financial flows linked to infrastructure projects and strategic partnerships.

The agreement provides for closer cooperation between the two institutions to improve transparency and traceability of funding mobilized under these projects.

It also provides for stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent financial offenses such as corruption, embezzlement, money laundering and illicit financial flows.

“CENAREF approached us to ensure that all financial flows linked to these agreements are screened, subjected to thorough review and validated through an established control mechanism,” Freddy Yodi Shembo said.

Economic credibility at stake

The initiative comes as Congolese authorities seek to strengthen economic governance and the country’s financial credibility amid a fragile security environment.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), illicit financial flows remain a major obstacle to fiscal stability and development in the DRC, particularly in the mining sector. The institution notes that these capital outflows weaken the state’s ability to mobilize domestic resources and calls for stronger transparency, improved transaction traceability and enhanced international cooperation.

Despite some reforms, corruption remains a structural challenge. The DRC scored 20 out of 100 in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International, ranking 46th in Africa and 163rd globally. 

The country is also on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) “grey list,” which includes jurisdictions under increased monitoring for deficiencies in combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

Charlène N’dimon