Congo, the democratic republic of the Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in congo, the democratic republic of the, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Democratic Republic of the Congo - Market Entry Strategy
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There are four possible market entry strategies for American companies interested in doing business in the DRC:

  • Export to Congolese retailers:  Due to the limited industrial base in the DRC, few finished goods are produced domestically.  The vast majority of consumer and finished goods are imported.
  • Set up joint ventures:  Many sectors require in-depth knowledge or expertise, capital, and market analysis that only a local partner can provide.  Entering the Congolese market through a joint venture can be advantageous.  Businesses are advised to conduct thorough due diligence before entering a joint venture with a Congolese partner.  Bidding on government tenders with a local partner is another great way to enter the market.  The government regularly advertises tenders on its portal and in local newspapers.  The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa may be able to assist U.S. companies in finding the right partner through the Gold Key Service (GKS) and the International Partner Search (IPS) Service.  For more information on these services, visit https://www.trade.gov/export-solutions
  • Green field:  Companies with significant interests should consider opening a representative office or new office in the DRC.  Travelling to meet partners is crucial to ensure proper execution of a project. 
  • Franchising:  Opening a franchise of a recognized brand in the DRC; no specific regulation exists.  Businesses that open franchises in the DRC are subject to the same rules as other businesses that open offices in the country.

The National Agency for the Promotion of Investments (ANAPI) is the advisory body to the central and provincial governments on investment promotion and the improvement of the business climate.  ANAPI’s mission is to promote the positive image of the DRC, to promote specific investment opportunities, to advocate for the improvement of the country’s business climate (“after-care”), and to provide administrative support to investors who decide to establish or expand their economic activities in the national territory.

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Global Business Navigator Chatbot Beta

Welcome to the Global Business Navigator, an artificial intelligence (AI) Chatbot from the International Trade Administration (ITA). This tool, currently in beta version testing, is designed to provide general information on the exporting process and the resources available to assist new and experienced U.S. exporters. The Chatbot, developed using Microsoft’s Azure AI services, is trained on ITA’s export-related content and aims to quickly get users the information they need. The Chatbot is intended to make the benefits of exporting more accessible by understanding non-expert language, idiomatic expressions, and foreign languages.

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As a beta product, the Chatbot is currently being tested and its responses may occasionally produce inaccurate or incomplete information. The Chatbot is trained to decline out of scope or inappropriate requests. The Chatbot’s knowledge is limited to the public information on the Export Solutions web pages of Trade.gov, which covers a wide range of topics on exporting. While it cannot provide responses specific to a company’s product or a specific foreign market, its reference pages will guide you to other relevant government resources and market research. Always double-check the Chatbot’s responses using the provided references or by visiting the Export Solutions web pages on Trade.gov. Do not use its responses as legal or professional advice. Inaccurate advice from the Chatbot would not be a defense to violating any export rules or regulations.

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The Chatbot supports a wide range of languages. Because the Chatbot is trained in English and responses are translated, you should verify the translation. For example, the Chatbot may have difficulty with acronyms, abbreviations, and nuances in a language other than English.

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