Kinshasa, DRC – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken a decisive step to reform its outdated hydrocarbon legal framework, launching a comprehensive review aimed at aligning national policy with global energy trends and investor expectations.
On Thursday, July 31, 2025, Minister of Hydrocarbons Aimé Sakombi Molendo convened a high-level workshop at the Rotana Hotel in Kinshasa/Gombe to begin the revision of Law No. 15/012 of August 1, 2015, which has governed the DRC’s oil and gas sector for the past decade.
The event drew senior lawmakers, regulators, private sector players, and energy experts—signaling a united front to modernize the sector and unlock its underutilized potential.
“We need to bring our legal framework in line with modern standards and ensure it is competitive with other countries in the region and across the continent,” Minister Molendo stated during the opening remarks.
Outdated Law, Missed Opportunities
Despite its strategic reserves, the DRC remains a marginal oil producer, with daily output still under 25,000 barrels. Experts widely agree that the current legislation fails to provide the clarity, fiscal appeal, and institutional strength required to spur growth.
Minister Molendo identified several weaknesses in the existing framework:
- Unclear and inefficient rights allocation
- Investor-unfriendly fiscal provisions
- Weak regulatory oversight and enforcement
He called for a more investor-friendly, transparent, and inclusive approach that supports both international operators and local SMEs.
Energy Sovereignty and Regional Competitiveness
The review comes at a critical time as the DRC seeks to assert energy sovereignty and align with Africa’s energy transition goals. The new legal framework is expected to balance environmental sustainability, national development priorities, and competitiveness in global capital markets.
“This workshop marks the beginning of a consultative, inclusive, and pragmatic reform process,” Molendo said. “We aim to attract serious investors while advancing the country’s strategic interests.”
Expert-Led Reform Process
To steer the initiative, a Commission of Experts was established by ministerial decree on July 15, 2025. It will operate under the coordination of the General Secretariat for Hydrocarbons, guiding technical, fiscal, and institutional recommendations throughout the legislative revision.
Industry observers welcomed the move as a “strategic pivot” by the Congolese government, recognizing the need to redefine its role in Africa’s oil and gas landscape.
As the global energy market shifts toward cleaner technologies and enhanced governance, the DRC’s legal overhaul could elevate the country as a more competitive, transparent, and stable destination for upstream investment.
