Congo Government Suspends Digital Tax Decree to Protect Startups

The government of the Republic of Congo decided to suspend the application of inter‑ministerial decree No 015 of 20 July 2026 on digital taxation. In a joint communiqué signed by the ministries of Finance and Digital Economy, officials clarified that labelled startups are not covered by the decree and will continue to benefit from the tax exemptions and incentives provided by the Startup Act (Ordonnance‑loi n°22/030 of 8 September 2022) and the Code du numérique.

The suspension follows widespread misinterpretations that the decree would remove these advantages. Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde Li‑Botayi and Digital Economy Minister Augustin Kibassa Maliba opted for a temporary halt to allow regulatory clarification. Micro and small enterprises also retain existing incentives while practical implementation details are being finalised. The measure aims to preserve a favourable climate for digital innovation and entrepreneurship in Congo.