Congo, the Democratic Republic Country Summary
Higher Risk
View full Ratings TableSanctions
Higher Concern
FATF AML Deficient List
Higher Concern
Terrorism
Higher Concern
Corruption
Higher Concern
US State ML Assessment
Lower Concern
Criminal Markets (GI Index)
Medium Concern
EU Tax Blacklist
Lower Concern
Offshore Finance Center
Lower Concern
Please note that although the below Summary will give a general outline of the AML risks associated with the jurisdiction, if you are a Regulated entity then you may need to demonstrate that your Jurisdictional AML risk assessment has included a full assessment of the risk elements that have been identified as underpinning overall Country AML risk. To satisfy these requirements, we would recommend that you use our Subscription area.
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Anti Money Laundering
FATF Status
The Democratic Republic of Congo is on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies
Compliance with FATF Recommendations
The last Follow-Up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in the Democratic Republic of Congo was undertaken in 2023. According to that Evaluation, he Democratic Republic of Congo was deemed Compliant for 3 and Largely Compliant for 5 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remains Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective for 0 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.
Sanctions
The United Nations imposes sanctions on the DRC, including an arms embargo prohibiting the supply of arms to non-governmental entities or individuals in the DRC, with arms to government forces allowed subject to prior notification to the UN Sanctions Committee, and targeted measures such as asset freezes and travel bans on those violating the embargo, with the UN Group of Experts mandate extended to 1 August 2025. Beyond the UN, other nations and jurisdictions such as the United States (OFAC), the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Norway enforce sanctions against the DRC, typically asset freezes and travel bans and, in some cases, trade restrictions or arms-embargo-related measures, with various humanitarian exemptions or allowances for government forces and MONUSCO.
Criminality
Rating |
0 (bad) - 100 (good) |
|---|---|
| Transparency International Corruption Index | 20 |
| World Bank: Control of Corruption Percentile Rank | 5 |
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces significant challenges related to crime and corruption, with pervasive issues undermining governance and institutional integrity. Despite the establishment of anti-corruption frameworks and ongoing efforts to combat corruption, such as the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and high-profile investigations, the implementation remains weak due to limited resources, political influence, and a lack of independence among oversight bodies, which hinders effective enforcement and accountability.
Economy
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) offers a complex investment climate marked by significant opportunities in its resource-rich sectors, particularly mining, alongside persistent challenges in governance, security, and infrastructure. President Félix Tshisekedi's administration, re-elected in December 2023, is focused on economic reform, anti-corruption, and infrastructure development, aiming to create jobs and stabilize the exchange rate while enhancing the business environment to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Despite a notable increase in FDI inflows to $1.67 billion in 2023, driven by global demand for critical minerals, investors face hurdles such as poor infrastructure, corruption, and security risks, especially in the eastern provinces, which continue to be destabilized by armed groups.
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