The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tightening oversight of the country’s gold sector. Speaking at a Council of Ministers meeting on April 3, 2026, she outlined a series of reforms aimed at improving traceability, boosting state revenue, and curbing widespread smuggling.
These actions build on earlier concerns raised during a previous Council meeting in February, where the need for stronger governance and stricter control over informal trading networks and illegal export channels was highlighted. The government now appears to be shifting from discussion to implementation, with a structured plan to bring greater accountability to the gold value chain.
At the centre of the reform effort is the creation of a technical working group made up of experts from key ministries and specialised state agencies. This group has been tasked with developing practical measures to improve how gold is tracked, regulated, and commercialised across the country. Early findings have already led to several concrete proposals.
One of the most significant steps is the revision of the national traceability procedures manual for mineral products. The updated framework is designed to monitor the entire gold value chain—from extraction and processing to transportation and export—ensuring that production is properly documented and verifiable at every stage.
In parallel, the government is updating the regulatory decree governing the country’s specialised gold trading body responsible for purchasing, marketing, and exporting artisanal gold. The revised rules will clarify operational procedures and strengthen the tax framework, with the aim of increasing transparency and ensuring that the state captures a fair share of revenue from the sector.
Another key pillar of the reform strategy is financial inclusion. Authorities plan to gradually integrate mining cooperatives and gold traders into the formal banking system. This move is expected to reduce cash-based transactions, improve financial traceability, and enhance oversight of the sector’s economic activities.
To further tighten control, the government will strengthen export monitoring by deploying inspectors and certification authorities at major border points. Agencies such as the General Inspectorate of Mines and the Center for Expertise, Evaluation and Certification of Precious and Semi-Precious Mineral Substances will play a more active role in verifying exports and preventing illegal flows of gold out of the country.
The reforms also extend beyond national borders. The DRC aims to reinforce its participation in regional certification systems, particularly under the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region framework. This initiative is intended to align Congolese gold exports with international standards, improve compliance, and enhance credibility in global markets.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Prime Minister has instructed the Minister of Mines to fast-track implementation. A pilot phase will be launched in Haut-Uélé Province, identified as a priority region due to its significant artisanal mining activity.
To ensure accountability, progress will be closely monitored through regular reporting, including both initial and mid-term evaluations submitted to the Prime Minister’s office.
Through this comprehensive reform programme, the DRC government aims to bring greater order to its gold sector, reduce fraud and smuggling, and recover lost revenue. If successfully implemented, these measures could play a critical role in strengthening the country’s economy and restoring confidence in one of its most valuable natural resources.
