Cryptocurrency is legal to possess and trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo, though not recognized as legal tender, meaning all retail transactions must be conducted in Congolese francs or US dollars. The Banque Centrale du Congo oversees cryptocurrency regulation but has not yet authorized local exchanges or issued comprehensive licensing frameworks (1). The country enacted Ordonnance-Loi No. 23/010 in March 2023, establishing a Digital Code that governs digital activities, cybersecurity, electronic transactions, and data protection, creating institutional structures including the Ministry of Digital Affairs and digital regulatory authorities (2).
Between 2018 and 2020, the BCC issued public warnings stating cryptocurrency schemes were not authorized and users would face fraud risks without legal recourse. The World Bank's Digital Economy Assessment for DRC notes that developing a vibrant digital economy requires strong collaboration within ministries and relevant stakeholders, though cryptocurrency development remains hindered by inadequate digital infrastructure and limited internet penetration at only 9% of the population (2). Draft legislation for a broader Digital-Asset Law was under inter-ministerial review in 2025, with expectations to issue licenses to exchanges and token issuers by late 2025 (1).
"The law creates or confirms the roles of several institutions: Ministry of digital affairs, responsible for policy and regulation. Autorité de régulation du numérique oversees digital market regulation and competition."
Cryptocurrency mining remains unrestricted and unregulated, with small farms utilizing hydropower operating in North Kivu province. Banks and mobile-money operators must identify customers and submit Suspicious Transaction Reports for crypto-related cash flows exceeding USD 10,000, with these standards expected to transfer to licensed exchanges under future sandbox regulations (1). The government announced a 5% withholding tax on crypto-to-fiat conversions exceeding USD 5,000, while crypto gains fall under general capital-income regulations, though comprehensive taxation guidelines remain under development (1).
Source:
https://coinfomania.com/cryptocurrency-regulation-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-drc/
https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/61714f214ed04bcd6e9623ad0e215897-0400012021/related/DRC-DE4A-EN-Final.pdf
Last updated: 18-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
