Congo President warns $8.3 billion aid delay hurts credibility and investment

President Félix Tshisekedi warned that the Democratic Republic of Congo has mobilized $8.3 billion from international partners but has disbursed only about a quarter of the $10.7 billion active portfolio, undermining state credibility. Cabinet minutes show the shortfall stems from administrative bottlenecks, poor project management and delayed counterpart funding, a point echoed by former treasury adviser Flory Mapamboli.

He noted that even when financing conditions are satisfied, the funds sit unused, damaging the country's reputation. Tshisekedi tasked Prime Minister Judith Suminwa with making faster disbursement a government priority and instructed finance, budget and planning ministries to secure counterpart contributions and simplify processes. The issue arises as the DRC seeks to attract more foreign investment for critical-mineral infrastructure, with U.S.-backed projects like the Lobito Corridor and Dilolo-Sakania railway in the pipeline. Similar delays have affected the $1.25 billion Eurobond proceeds, with only $137 million released so far, highlighting broader challenges in project preparation and execution.