Forex trading is legal in the Democratic Republic of Congo and operates under a comprehensive regulatory framework governed by the Central Bank of Congo. The Central Bank is responsible for regulating foreign trade and payment both locally and internationally in the DRC, maintaining oversight of all foreign exchange operations (1). The BCC possesses extensive authority to issue instructions and regulations, serving as the guarantor of monetary stability and the supervisory authority for foreign exchange operations under its Organic Law No. 18/027 promulgated in 2018 (2).
The DRC maintains a managed floating exchange rate regime in 2025, where the Congolese franc rate is determined by supply and demand with occasional BCC intervention to limit excessive fluctuations. The foreign exchange market comprises the interbank foreign exchange market representing approximately 75% of total transactions, around 230 authorized exchange bureaux with minimum capital requirements of USD 50,000, and approximately 400 authorized individual exchange dealers (2). These operators must comply with strict reporting obligations, anti-money laundering standards, and monthly activity reports to the BCC.
"The Central Bank of Congo (BCC) remains the principal regulatory authority for the foreign exchange market in the DRC. Pursuant to its Organic Law No. 18/027, the BCC possesses extensive prerogatives to issue instructions and regulations in this domain."
The BCC maintains a relatively liberal system of payments for invisible trade conducted through commercial banks, though some limited restrictions exist on outward remittances for nonresident services. Any foreign exchange operation outside the official circuit of authorized exchange bureaux and dealers is considered illegal and subject to penal sanctions (1). The Law on Combating Money Laundering limits cash holdings upon entry or exit to USD 10,000, with any amount exceeding this requiring bank transfer, and the BCC levies a monitoring fee of 2‰ on all foreign exchange operations (2).
Source:
https://www.privacyshield.gov/ps/article?id=Congo-Democratic-Republic-Foreign-Exchange-Controls
https://www.legal500.com/developments/thought-leadership/overview-of-foreign-exchange-regulations-applicable-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congo-in-2025/
Last updated: 15-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
