Democratic Republic of Congo Business Directory & List of Companies

Capital City and 5 Largest Cities in Democratic Republic of Congo

• Kinshasa (Capital City) - Kinshasa is not only the capital city of the DRC but also its largest city. It is located in the western part of the country along the Congo River. Kinshasa is a major economic, political, and cultural center of the country. Lubumbashi:
• Lubumbashi is the second-largest city in the DRC and is situated in the southeastern part of the country. It is an important economic and commercial hub, with significant mining activities in the region.
• Mbuji-Mayi: Mbuji-Mayi is the third-largest city in the DRC and is located in the central part of the country. It is known for its diamond mining industry and is often referred to as the "Diamond Capital of the World."
• Kisangani: Kisangani is the fourth-largest city in the DRC and is situated in the northeastern part of the country. It is an important transportation and trade center, particularly for goods moving along the Congo River.
• Goma: Goma is the fifth-largest city in the DRC and is located in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Rwanda. It is situated on the shores of Lake Kivu and is known for its volcanic activity, including the nearby Nyiragongo volcano.

Democratic Republic of the Congo on Map - see more from Google map

Economy of Democratic Republic of the Congo

1. Natural Resources: The DRC is incredibly rich in natural resources. It is one of the world's leading producers of minerals, including copper, cobalt, gold, and diamonds. These resources are central to the country's economy and account for a significant portion of its export earnings.
2. Agriculture: Agriculture is an important sector in the DRC, employing a large portion of the population. Key crops include cassava, maize, rice, and palm oil. However, agriculture in the country faces challenges related to infrastructure, land tenure, and productivity.
3. Infrastructure Challenges: The DRC's infrastructure is underdeveloped and often inadequate. This includes transportation networks, energy supply, and basic services. Insufficient infrastructure can hinder economic growth and development.
4. Political Instability: The DRC has experienced periods of political instability and armed conflict, which have had adverse effects on its economy. Political stability is crucial for attracting foreign investment and fostering economic growth.
5. Informal Economy: A significant portion of economic activity in the DRC takes place in the informal sector, which includes activities that are not officially regulated or taxed. This poses challenges for government revenue collection and economic planning.
6. Foreign Investment: The DRC has attracted foreign investment, particularly in the mining sector. However, concerns over political stability, corruption, and legal uncertainties have at times deterred potential investors.
7. Foreign Aid: The DRC receives substantial foreign aid and development assistance from international donors and organizations. This aid is often directed toward humanitarian and development projects aimed at improving living conditions and infrastructure.
8. Currency: The Congolese franc (CDF) is the official currency of the DRC.
9. Challenges: The DRC faces numerous challenges, including issues related to governance, corruption, healthcare, education, and poverty. Addressing these challenges is crucial for sustainable economic development.
10. Informal Trade: Cross-border trade with neighboring countries is significant, with informal trade routes serving as vital conduits for goods and services.

Five Largest Companies in Democratic Republic of Congo

1. Tenke Fungurume Mining S.A. (TFM): Tenke Fungurume Mining is one of the largest mining companies in the DRC. It operates the Tenke Fungurume copper and cobalt mine in the Katanga Province, which is one of the world's largest copper-cobalt deposits. The company is a joint venture between China Molybdenum Co., Ltd. (CMOC) and Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
2. Société Minière de Bisunzu (SMB): Société Minière de Bisunzu is a Congolese mining company involved in tin and tantalum mining. Tin and tantalum are important minerals used in electronics manufacturing. The company operates in the North Kivu and Maniema provinces.
3. Gécamines: La Générale des Carrières et des Mines (Gécamines) is a state-owned mining company in the DRC. While it has faced various challenges over the years, it remains a significant player in the mining sector, with interests in various minerals, including copper and cobalt.
4. Randgold Resources (now part of Barrick Gold Corporation): Randgold Resources was a major gold mining company that operated the Kibali Gold Mine in the northeastern DRC. In 2019, Randgold merged with Barrick Gold Corporation, forming one of the world's largest gold mining companies.
5. Glencore International AG: Glencore is a global commodity trading and mining company with operations in the DRC. It is involved in the production and export of various minerals, including copper and cobalt. The company operates the Katanga Mining Ltd. subsidiary, which is a key player in the DRC's mining industry.

Five Largest Banks in Democratic Republic of Congo

1. Rawbank: Rawbank is one of the largest and most well-established banks in the DRC. It offers a range of banking services, including retail banking, corporate banking, and trade finance. Rawbank has a significant presence in the country with numerous branches and ATMs.
2. Banque Commerciale du Congo (BCDC): Banque Commerciale du Congo, often referred to as BCDC, is one of the oldest banks in the DRC. It provides a wide range of financial services, including savings and checking accounts, loans, and foreign exchange services.
3. Standard Bank (Stanbic Bank): Standard Bank, which operates as Stanbic Bank in the DRC, is a subsidiary of Standard Bank Group, a leading African financial institution. Stanbic Bank offers various banking and financial services to both retail and corporate clients in the DRC.
4. Ecobank: Ecobank is a pan-African banking group with a presence in several African countries, including the DRC. Ecobank DRC provides retail and corporate banking services and has a network of branches and ATMs across the country.
5. Orabank: Orabank, also known as the African Banking Corporation, operates in several West and Central African countries, including the DRC. It offers a range of banking and financial products and services to individuals and businesses.