Investors eyeing opportunities in the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC) have been advised to prioritise compliance with local regulations
to ensure sustainable business growth.
Speaking during a plenary session at Equity Group’s ongoing
trade mission in Lubumbashi, Associate Director at Orkam Consultants, Kinkela
Orelis, underscored the importance of formalising businesses before venturing
into the DRC market.
“Understanding regulations, legal frameworks, and tax
requirements is essential to unlocking business opportunities here, just as it
is in any other country,” Orelis said.
“The abundance of opportunities in the DRC does not exempt
investors from adhering to established requirements.”
He added that Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) should work
closely with their Chief Operating Officers (COOs) to avoid risks associated
with non-compliance.
He also pointed out that a 2018 law requires businesses to
engage certified public accountants (CPAs), describing it as both a good
practice and a legal obligation.
To counter perceptions of excessive bureaucracy, Orelis highlighted the government’s one-stop company registration process, assuring delegates that “if you meet the requirements, there is no reason you cannot succeed.”
Equity Group Director of International Trade Relations, AQ
Hamza, said the bank facilitates trade missions to help investors explore
markets and connect with stakeholders.
“Once you identify an opportunity, we organize targeted
meetings and site visits to established businesses. For those ready to invest,
we also provide financial support to help them set up and grow,” he said.
EquityBCDC Associate Director for Commercial Projects and
Sectors, Paty-Paterne Mushagalusa, shared Equity’s success story in the DRC
since its entry in 2015.
He attributed the bank’s growth to strategic acquisitions,
operational excellence, and financial inclusion, all aligned with its Africa
Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP).
“Our vision has guided investments in infrastructure,
technology, and human capital, ensuring sustainable growth and socio-economic
impact,” he said.
Delegates at the trade mission included entrepreneurs from
Kenya, DRC, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Poland, and Germany.
Among them was Galana Energies, which plans to expand
operations to Kolwezi, and Informs Systems, an ICT firm eyeing opportunities in
mining and petroleum.
