Democratic Republic of Congo adopts new science and technology law

On 15 May 2026 the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo unanimously accepted a legislative proposal on the fundamental principles of scientific and technological research. The bill was introduced by Deputy Dorothée Madiya Mwamba, elected for Mont‑Amba, and seeks to replace the 1982 ordinance that currently governs research.

Key provisions include strengthening partnerships among universities, research centres and the private sector, creating mechanisms to fund innovative projects, establishing a national agency to valorise research results and a patent agency to protect inventions. The draft also calls for open data, scientific outreach, and obliges foreign companies extracting natural resources to collaborate with Congolese research institutions. Madiya emphasized that modernising the legal framework is essential for the country’s sovereignty, competitiveness and sustainable development.