DR.Congo
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Aerial view of Livingstone Falls on the Congo River — the world’s deepest river and Africa’s largest.PHOTO GettyImage
Discover DR Congo: Africa’s Untapped Tourism Giant
Discover the DRC’s tourism potential, UNESCO parks, gorillas, culture, new hotels, and investment opportunities shaping Africa’s future top destination.
9/12/25, 3:37 AM
A Legal Framework for Growth
In 2018, the Democratic Republic of Congo, often called the Cœur de l’Afrique (Heart of Africa) adopted Law No. 18-018, a landmark reform that put public-private partnership (PPP) at the center of its tourism vision. The law aims to make the DRC a leading tourist destination in Africa, empowering both local and international investors to establish and grow tourism enterprises.
Government’s Vision: Tourism as a Driver of Diversification
The government sees tourism as a pillar of economic diversification and growth. Its goals are clear:
Strengthen governance and institutional frameworks.
Promote trade, partnerships, and regional cooperation.
Increase tourism’s contribution to GDP.
Monitor environmental impacts and build climate resilience.
Invest in global branding initiatives such as the four-year partnership with FC Barcelona,
Backed by the National Tourism Master Plan (2020), these reforms lay a solid foundation for making the DRC a globally recognized destination.
An Incredible Tourism Potential
The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most biodiverse nations on Earth and offers unmatched opportunities:
Protected Areas: 25 million hectares (13.75% of national territory).
World Heritage Sites: 5 UNESCO-listed parks and reserves, including Virunga, Kahuzi-Biega, Garamba, Salonga, and the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
Unique Wildlife: 4 endemic species, Mountain Gorilla, Okapi, Bonobo, and the Congolese Peacock.
Forests & Ecosystems: 145 million hectares of tropical forests, the second largest after the Amazon.
Natural Wonders: The Congo River, 37 km Atlantic coastline, spectacular waterfalls, lakes, and eastern mountain ranges.
Cultural Wealth: Over 450 ethnic groups, vibrant traditions, art markets, and historical heritage.
Infrastructure: 284 airports (5 international), 349 travel agencies, 3,235 hotels with 27,963 rooms, and 4,500 km of waterways.
With over 90 million people, Congo also has a large domestic tourism market, particularly among youth eager for leisure and entertainment.
📌 Spotlight: The Okapi – Jewel of Congo’s Forests
Native only to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Okapi is a rare and mysterious animal, closely related to the giraffe. Found in the Ituri Forest and protected in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), it embodies the richness of Congo’s biodiversity. Promoting the Okapi as a national symbol strengthens the country’s eco-tourism appeal and global conservation identity.
Achievements Already Made
Recent progress showcases the government’s commitment:
RD Congo Cœur de l’Afrique Goes Global
RD Congo Cœur de l’Afrique Goes Global
Through its four-year partnership with FC Barcelona, the Democratic Republic of Congo is showcasing its new brand identity, “RD Congo Cœur de l’Afrique” (Heart of Africa), to millions of fans worldwide. From training kits to cultural programs at Spotify Camp Nou, this collaboration connects Congolese heritage with one of football’s biggest global platforms, boosting tourism visibility and national pride.
Renovation of Kinshasa’s botanical and zoological gardens via PPP.
Kinshasa’s Botanical and Zoological Gardens
Founded during the colonial era and recently renovated through a public–private partnership, the gardens are today a vital green lung for Kinshasa. They offer visitors a blend of biodiversity, education, and leisure, making them one of the city’s most attractive eco-tourism sites.
Modernization of heritage hotels such as Grand Hotel Kinshasa, Fleuve Congo Hotel, and Grand Karavia in Lubumbashi.
Grand Hotel Kinshasa
Overlooking the majestic Congo River, the Grand Hotel Kinshasa is one of the capital’s flagship five-star hotels. Recently modernized through public–private partnerships, it combines luxury hospitality with state-of-the-art facilities, positioning Kinshasa as a hub for business, conferences, and international tourism.
Launch of a national airline (Congo Airways) to connect regions and international markets.
Congo Airways
Created to modernize air transport and boost connectivity, Congo Airways is the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national airline. With a growing fleet including Airbus A320s, the carrier links Kinshasa with major African cities and regional hubs, playing a strategic role in tourism development and business travel.
Hosting of international congresses, sports events, and cultural forums.
Kinshasa’s modern financial district is illuminated at night, a symbol of the city’s capacity to host international congresses, business forums, and cultural events. Kinshasa’s Financial District
The new skyline of Kinshasa reflects Congo’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for business, investment, and international forums. With modern towers, conference spaces, and cultural venues, the city is now capable of hosting major congresses, sporting events, and global cultural gatherings, reinforcing its place on Africa’s map of rising capitals.
Rehabilitation of historic sites and public leisure spaces.
Monument of national hero Laurent-Désiré Kabila in Kinshasa, a symbol of Congo’s history and one of the heritage sites being preserved for future generations. Laurent-Désiré Kabila Monument
Standing proudly in Kinshasa, the Laurent-Désiré Kabila monument honors the memory of the late president and symbolizes Congo’s path toward sovereignty. Its rehabilitation as part of tourism reforms ensures that both citizens and international visitors can engage with the country’s history in a dignified, modern setting.
Streamlining border services to facilitate travel.
Newly inaugurated passenger train connecting Kinshasa to key cities, improving mobility and opening new horizons for tourism and trade in the DRC. Congo’s New Passenger Train
Inaugurated in 2025, the new passenger train marks a fresh chapter for modern transport in the DRC. Linking Kinshasa with key regions, it boosts mobility for citizens and creates new opportunities for tourism and trade. Comfortable, efficient, and symbolic of renewal, the train is a visible sign of the government’s commitment to infrastructure that connects people to culture, nature, and business.
Looking Ahead: Perspectives and Projects
The DRC is determined to build a world-class tourism industry with projects that include:
Development of the Congo River waterfront (Kinshasa-Kinkole-Maluku).
GIS mapping of hotels, tourist sites, and circuits.
Creation of recreational centers in Kinshasa and provincial cities.
Transformation of the old slave market in Moanda into a heritage site and leisure destination.
Rehabilitation of the first Governor General’s residence in Boma.
Community-based tourism initiatives around Lake Munkamba.
Establishment of tourism trade schools to professionalize the sector.
Why Invest in Congo Tourism?
The DR Congo is not just a land of opportunity; it is poised to become a future tourism powerhouse. With unparalleled natural wealth, cultural depth, and a government actively opening doors for investors, the time to explore Congo is now.
Discover. Invest. Experience. Welcome to DR Congo.
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