DRC Economy Minister announces new retail and small trade regulations

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Daniel Mukoko Samba has announced the progressive launch of controls to ensure compliance within the small trade and retail sectors. During a meeting in Kinshasa with professional associations and economic operators, Samba clarified that the implementation of Decree No. 26/011 aims to organize the domestic market rather than restrict entrepreneurship or oppose foreign traders.

The government is prioritizing voluntary compliance, inviting operators to regularize their status before formal verification processes begin. The reform seeks to define clear roles for producers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers to establish balanced competitive conditions.