• DRC unveils $20.3B 2026 budget, up 16.4% from 2025
• Budget targets revenue growth, reconstruction, inequality reduction
• Reforms planned amid conflict, economic, and fiscal challenges

Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, presented the 2026 finance bill to the National Assembly on Monday. The proposed budget is set at $20.3 billion, a 16.4% increase from the revised 2025 budget of $17.6 billion.

According to the prime minister's office, the balanced budget, with equal revenue and expenditure, aims to double current government revenue by 2028, ensure sustainable fiscal management, fund reconstruction in conflict-affected regions, and reduce social inequality. The office stated that the budget "illustrates the Suminwa government's commitment to responsible governance, increased mobilization of internal resources, and sustained funding of the 2024-2028 Government Action Program."

The finance bill is introduced amid persistent economic and security challenges, particularly in the country's eastern region where armed conflict and tensions over mineral resources continue to hinder development.

In June 2025, Kinshasa unveiled a five-year, $93 billion plan for 2024-2028, focusing on economic diversification, territorial protection and management, access to social services, and sustainable environmental management. To finance these ambitions, the government plans fiscal and administrative reforms, including broadening the tax base and cracking down on tax fraud and evasion, with the goal of increasing domestic revenue and securing stable funding for its programs.

The prime minister also submitted the 2024 financial accountability bill, which reported a 79.97% implementation rate.

Charlène N’dimon