The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said its Executive Board has approved the immediate disbursement of $442.4 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo following the second review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the first review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

The decision brings total IMF disbursements to the country to about $779.7 million since the start of the year.

The approval comes as the country continues to face a difficult security environment, alongside recurring health crises such as Ebola outbreaks, which continue to weigh on public finances.

Despite these challenges, the IMF said the Congolese economy remains broadly resilient. Economic growth is expected to exceed 5% in both 2025 and 2026, driven mainly by strong performance in the mining sector, particularly copper.

The Fund also highlighted a sharp decline in inflation during 2025. Inflation fell to 2.2% in November 2025, from 11.7% at end-2024. This improvement allowed the Central Bank of Congo to ease monetary policy, cutting its key policy rate from 25% to 17.5% in October. The IMF said this trend reflects a gradual strengthening of macroeconomic stability.

The institution noted progress in the implementation of reforms under the IMF-supported programs, both on the fiscal and structural fronts. Most program targets were met, despite pressures linked to higher security spending. Advances were also recorded in governance reforms, public finance management, and efforts to strengthen resilience to climate shocks.

The IMF nonetheless urged the authorities to maintain strict budget discipline, protect social spending amid a challenging humanitarian context, and accelerate reforms aimed at improving transparency, strengthening anti-corruption and AML/CFT frameworks, and enhancing the business climate.

“Advancing reforms to improve governance and transparency, strengthen anti-corruption and AML/CFT frameworks and enhance the business climate is critical for supporting private sector development and promoting diversified, sustainable, and inclusive growth,” the IMF said.

Sandrine Gaingne