PM Suminwa Launches Congo’s Modern Tax Reform for 2026

A Modern Shift in Congo’s Tax System

On Thursday, September 11, 2025, Prime Minister and Head of Government Judith Suminwa Tuluka officially launched an awareness campaign on direct taxation reform, marking what she called a “historic step” in the modernization of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) fiscal system.

The reform will come into effect on January 1, 2026, and is designed to make Congo’s tax framework fairer, more transparent, and aligned with international standards.

Key Measures of the Reform

According to the Prime Minister’s presentation, the reform introduces several structural changes:

• New Taxes Introduced:

a. Corporate Tax (IS) to better capture business profits.

b. Personal Income Tax (IRPP) targeting individual earnings in a progressive, equitable way.

• Standardized Invoicing: A nationwide invoicing system will be adopted to improve transparency and curb tax evasion.

• Revenue Mobilization Goal: Ensure fairer contributions from both companies and citizens, while strengthening the State’s ability to finance national development.

• Private Sector Consultation: The government pledged to continue dialogue with businesses to safeguard the investment climate during the transition.

Political and Economic Significance

Prime Minister Suminwa stressed that the reform reflects her government’s 2024–2028 Action Program, which aims to balance equity, growth, and accountability.

Fiscal experts say the reform is essential for Congo’s ambition to:

• Diversify its economy beyond raw mineral exports.

• Increase domestic revenue to reduce dependency on foreign aid.

• Strengthen transparency in public finances, a long-standing demand from international partners such as the IMF and World Bank.

Reactions from Business and Civil Society

Early reactions are mixed:

• Business associations welcomed the consultation process but urged caution on the impact of corporate taxation on competitiveness.

• Civil society groups applauded the introduction of personal income tax, calling it a “fairer system where the richest finally contribute their share.”

Next Steps

The Ministry of Finance will roll out awareness campaigns throughout the provinces to explain the changes to businesses, employees, and households before the system takes effect in 2026.

This reform is seen as a cornerstone for building a modern tax system capable of financing Congo’s long-term development and strengthening citizen trust in state institutions.