Congo's Economic Reforms and Strategic Leadership Under President Tshisekedi: Assessing the Impact on Foreign Investment and Infrastructure Development

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has emerged as a focal point of Africa's economic transformation under President Félix Tshisekedi's leadership. Since 2023, the government has implemented a sweeping agenda of macroeconomic stabilization, anti-corruption measures, and infrastructure development, aiming to unlock the country's vast potential. This analysis examines how these reforms have influenced foreign direct investment (FDI) and infrastructure progress, while navigating the complex interplay of political dynamics and institutional challenges.

Macroeconomic Stabilization and Investor Confidence

President Tshisekedi's administration has prioritized stabilizing the DRC's volatile economy. By mid-2024, the government successfully reduced annual inflation from 21% to 15.1% and curtailed the depreciation of the Congolese franc from 5.50% to 0.14% within monthsEconomic transformation in the DRC: Structural reforms of the government of Félix Tshisekedi, [https://eng.fatshimetrie.org/2024/10/21/economic-transformation-in-the-drc-structural-reforms-of-the-government-of-felix-tshisekedi/]^[1]. These measures, coupled with a $3 billion preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have restored some confidence among investors. The IMF's July 2025 disbursement of $261.9 million under its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) further signaled international support for the DRC's reform trajectoryDemocratic Republic of Congo: Requests for an Arrangement, [https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2025/023/article-A002-en.xml]^[3].

However, FDI inflows remain constrained. In 2025, the DRC attracted USD 1.635 billion in FDI, a modest recovery from the 11.4% decline in 2023Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, [https://www.lloydsbanktrade.com/en/market-potential/democratic-republic-of-congo/investment]^[2]. The extractive sector—copper, cobalt, and gold—continues to dominate investments, accounting for over 95% of export revenueForeign direct investment (FDI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, [https://www.lloydsbanktrade.com/en/market-potential/democratic-republic-of-congo/investment]^[2]. While the government's creation of the National Agency for Investment Promotion (ANAPI) and a “one-stop shop” for investors (Guichet Unique) has streamlined business registration, systemic issues like corruption and weak judicial systems persist as barriersEconomic transformation in the DRC: Structural reforms of the government of Félix Tshisekedi, [https://eng.fatshimetrie.org/2024/10/21/economic-transformation-in-the-drc-structural-reforms-of-the-government-of-felix-tshisekedi/]^[1].

Infrastructure Development: Progress and Challenges

Infrastructure remains a cornerstone of Tshisekedi's vision. Major projects such as the Lobito Corridor—a trans-African railway linking Angola's port of Lobito to Zambia's Copperbelt—and the Grand Inga Dam expansion have advanced, supported by World Bank funding and regional partnershipsTop 5 Government Projects That Are Transforming the DRC in 2025, [https://www.xtrafrica.com/news/top-5-drc-government-projects-2025]^[4]. The government also allocated USD 223.1 million to rural electrification, road modernization, and digital infrastructure, including a blockchain-based identity system (DRCPass) to enhance e-governanceEconomic transformation in the DRC: Structural reforms of the government of Félix Tshisekedi, [https://eng.fatshimetrie.org/2024/10/21/economic-transformation-in-the-drc-structural-reforms-of-the-government-of-felix-tshisekedi/]^[1].

Yet, implementation lags. As of September 2025, only 30% of the 145 Territories Development Program's infrastructure projects were completedTop 5 Government Projects That Are Transforming the DRC in 2025, [https://www.xtrafrica.com/news/top-5-drc-government-projects-2025]^[4]. Logistical bottlenecks, underfunded public institutions, and security challenges in eastern DRC—where armed groups persist—have slowed progress. The World Bank's Country Economic Memorandum underscores that without accelerated infrastructure development, the DRC will struggle to diversify its economy and reduce extreme povertyCountry Economic Memorandum: Democratic Republic of the Congo, [https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/drc/publication/country-economic-memorandum-democratic-republic-of-congo-afe-drc]^[5].

Political Reforms and Their Dual Impact

Tshisekedi's political maneuvers have had mixed effects. A July 2025 government reshuffle integrated opposition members into key roles, fostering inclusive governance and potentially enhancing political stabilityEconomic transformation in the DRC: Structural reforms of the government of Félix Tshisekedi, [https://eng.fatshimetrie.org/2024/10/21/economic-transformation-in-the-drc-structural-reforms-of-the-government-of-felix-tshisekedi/]^[1]. However, post-coup crackdowns in May 2024 and perceived centralization of power have raised concerns about democratic backsliding, deterring investors wary of operating in an environment of political fragilityPower Consolidation Amid Fragility: How Tshisekedi May 2024 Coup Consolidation Power, [https://newsletter.arac-international.org/p/tshisekedi-may-2024-coup-consolidation-power]^[6].

The administration's emphasis on anti-corruption and budget transparency has improved governance perceptions. The digitalization of fiscal frameworks and the Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS)—which registered 6,200 children in artisanal mining areas by late 2024—demonstrate a commitment to responsible developmentDemocratic Republic of Congo: Requests for an Arrangement, [https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2025/023/article-A002-en.xml]^[3]. Nonetheless, the DRC's 163rd rank on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index highlights enduring challengesForeign direct investment (FDI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, [https://www.lloydsbanktrade.com/en/market-potential/democratic-republic-of-congo/investment]^[2].

Strategic Alliances and Regional Integration

The DRC's strategic location and natural resources position it to benefit from Africa's Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and green energy transitions. A proposed mining agreement with the United States to develop copper, cobalt, and lithium under sovereign control aims to secure equitable benefits for Congolese citizensEconomic transformation in the DRC: Structural reforms of the government of Félix Tshisekedi, [https://eng.fatshimetrie.org/2024/10/21/economic-transformation-in-the-drc-structural-reforms-of-the-government-of-felix-tshisekedi/]^[1]. Meanwhile, digital reforms—such as expanding spectrum access and modernizing energy infrastructure—could add CDF 9.8 trillion to GDP by 2029, per GSMA estimatesTop 5 Government Projects That Are Transforming the DRC in 2025, [https://www.xtrafrica.com/news/top-5-drc-government-projects-2025]^[4].

Conclusion: A Path Forward

President Tshisekedi's reforms have laid the groundwork for economic resilience, but their success hinges on addressing institutional weaknesses and security challenges. While FDI inflows remain modest, the DRC's strategic assets and reform momentum suggest potential for growth. Investors must weigh the risks of political instability against the rewards of a market poised for transformation. As the DRC navigates this delicate balance, sustained international support and domestic governance improvements will be critical to realizing its vision of inclusive prosperity.