Democratic Republic of Congo adopts 2026 budget amendment and ratifies two trade agreements

On 3 July 2026, the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo approved a revised 2026 finance law, setting the budget at 50,496 billion Congolese francs (about US$21.9 billion) after a 7 % reduction from the original estimate. The amendment was adopted unanimously (389 votes for, none against or abstaining) and balances revenues and expenditures through additional non‑tax receipts.

Later the same day, the Senate passed two bills ratifying international trade accords: a Global Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, signed in Abu Dhabi on 2 February 2026, and a new International Cocoa Agreement signed in Abidjan on 2 June 2026. Both agreements aim to boost the DRC’s export profile, promote local processing of resources and diversify economic partnerships. The Senate bills now move to the National Assembly for a second reading before presidential promulgation.

These legislative actions signal the DRC government’s focus on fiscal consolidation and expanding trade ties with the UAE and cocoa‑producing partners.