DRC: IMF releases $261.9 million after positive review of Extended Fund Facility
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved, on July 2, 2025, the first review of the program supported by the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) in favor of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), thereby paving the way for a new immediate disbursement of $261.9 million. This program, approved in January 2025, spans three years for a total amount of $2.1 billion. With this new disbursement, the funds already released amount to $523 million.
The IMF justified this decision by highlighting the resilience of the Congolese economy despite the ongoing armed conflict in the east of the country. In 2024, the DRC recorded robust GDP growth of 6.5%, driven mainly by the dynamism of the extractive sector. At the same time, inflation was brought under control, dropping from 23.8% at the end of 2023 to 8.5% in June 2025, thanks to a strict monetary policy implemented by the Central Bank of Congo.
External stability also improved, with a reduction in the current account deficit and an accumulation of international reserves. The IMF also noted progress in structural reforms, although some quantitative targets were not met, particularly regarding the budget deficit and foreign exchange management.
The domestic budget deficit reached 0.8% of GDP in 2024, compared to the 0.3% target, due to security-related spending and urgent public investments. Nevertheless, the IMF granted temporary waivers, welcoming the corrective measures undertaken by the Congolese authorities.
The IMF also commended the signing of a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, which took place on June 27 under U.S. mediation. This development, though fragile, could help refocus national priorities on macroeconomic stability and development.
The institution encourages the DRC to accelerate reforms in governance, transparency, the fight against corruption, and improvements in the business climate in order to consolidate its economic trajectory.
