The Congolese franc (CDF) has seen a marked appreciation against the US dollar (USD) in recent weeks—an upward movement welcomed by the government, which attributes the trend to renewed efforts in budgetary discipline, despite criticism from experts over the methods employed by the Central Bank of Congo (BCC).
According to BCC data, the exchange rate has strengthened from roughly 2,850 CDF per USD to 2,260 CDF per USD, a significant rise for the national currency. While authorities have praised this short-term improvement, they acknowledge lingering uncertainties and are seeking pathways to achieve long-term stability.
Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka addressed the issue at length during the 64th meeting of the Council of Ministers, emphasizing the need to “protect the purchasing power of our compatriots.” She urged her cabinet to maintain “consistent budgetary discipline” and adhere strictly to the established procedures governing public expenditure, according to a report reviewed by M&B Magazine.
An Economic Imperative
Suminwa stressed that stabilizing the Congolese franc—and maintaining credibility with international partners such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank—depends directly on this discipline.
“Compliance with these rules is not an administrative formality, but an economic necessity,” she stated.
To strictly frame public spending, the government relies on the Interministerial Order of December 20, 2024, which introduced the Revised Transitional Manual of Procedures and the Public Expenditure Circuit. Published in the Official Journal on January 8, 2025, the document details the precise steps for committing public funds, based on the Budget Commitment Plan and the Treasury Plan.
To ensure proper implementation, the Prime Minister instructed the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Budget to guarantee the full execution of the Budget Commitment Plan. She also tasked Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba with ensuring that “all payments are executed strictly according to the Treasury Plan and based on actual resource availability.”
This approach aims to prevent any “unplanned commitments or off-circuit expenditures,” which, she warned, would weaken the State’s treasury and undermine broader financial governance reforms.
M&B