Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, 10 November 2025: The Democratic Republic of Congo has rolled out a UK-funded initiative to improve the clarity and predictability of trade procedures for thousands of Congolese traders who depend on cross border markets for their livelihoods. The project, “Facilitating Trade in DRC through the Development of a National Trade Information Portal and Strengthening CNFE Capacities,” documents priority import, export and transit processes at major border points so that traders can access reliable information in one place.
The initiative is financed by UK International Development- FCDO and implemented by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA). It was launched at a two-day technical workshop convened with members of the National Trade Facilitation Committee to assess existing procedures, introduce the Trade Information Portal (TIP) methodology and agree coordinated steps to strengthen national documentation practices.
Across Africa, unclear or inconsistent procedures add up to 25% of trading costs (World Bank, 2021). Women, who account for about 70% of informal cross border traders in the region (UNCTAD, 2020), often face the greatest risks when information is fragmented. In the DRC, traders regularly contend with multiple agencies, complex paperwork and varying interpretations of rules that slow movement and increase costs. A more predictable system is expected to reduce these barriers and support traders to operate more securely.
In this context, members of the DRC’s National Trade Facilitation Committee, drawn from both the public and private sectors, together with the TIP team and government authorities, met in Kinshasa to review the Trade Information Portal methodology and to validate the priority actions.The workshop introduced UNCTAD’s step by step approach to documenting procedures, examined tools for simplifying requirements and guided participants through assessing gaps in the current portal. The resulting action plan sets out responsibilities for updating procedures and improving the quality of public information.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of External Trade, Secretary General Jules Muilu Mbo said:
“When procedures are clear and trusted, businesses grow. The Trade Information Portal will help Congolese traders access accurate guidance in one place, improving predictability and strengthening confidence in regional markets.”
UNCTAD and the East African Community will lead implementation with TMA. Celine Bacrot, Economist, Trade Facilitation at UNCTAD, said: “Transparent procedures enable fair competition and informed decision making. This places traders at the centre of reform and supports institutions to apply predictable rules across border agencies.”
Michael Olasope, Green Growth Programme Manager at FCDO, noted: “Predictable border processes help traders plan and invest. Strengthening coordination also supports inclusion and greener trade, enabling women and men to participate more securely in the economy.”
Speaking on behalf of the Country Director, TMA Programme Manager, Gladys Kalombo, added:
“Trade is a source of security for many families. When information is accessible, more traders participate formally and reduce their exposure to risk. The TIP aligns with our Strategy 3 priorities on digital and inclusive trade.”
As the Government and its partners update procedures and strengthen institutional ownership of the portal, traders across the DRC are expected to benefit from more reliable guidance, fewer administrative barriers and improved participation in regional value chains.