DRC launches consumer protection platform and retail reforms

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ministry of National Economy has launched ‘LOBA’, a digital platform designed to enhance consumer protection. The tool allows citizens to report abusive practices or issues encountered with goods and services. It provides information on consumer rights and supplier obligations, and enables users to track the progress of complaints. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Competition Commission (COMCO) and various regulatory authorities in sectors such as telecommunications, banking, insurance, electricity, transport, and health. LOBA is accessible via a WhatsApp chatbot and a mobile application.

In a separate economic initiative, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Daniel Mukoko Samba is conducting a sensitization campaign regarding reforms to small-scale and retail trade. Under decree n°26/011, certain activities, specifically small-scale and retail trade, are reserved exclusively for Congolese nationals. While ten categories of capital-intensive activities remain open to foreign investors, these operators must obtain a non-objection notice from the Ministry of National Economy to operate within the authorized sectors.