The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is in the process of initiating its inaugural stock exchange, as the emergence of AI is driving demand for some of the country’s most critical minerals.
The exchange, which is set to begin next year, intends to list its local currency, the Congolese franc, and the US dollar, according to the DRC’s finance minister, Doudou Fwamba Likunde Li-Botayi.
Speaking to Bloomberg, the minister revealed that the International Finance Corp. and the government are collaborating to develop a capital markets framework.
Furthermore, the minister noted that the government plans to take advantage of the increasing international interest in Congo's economy and expand the sources of funding available to businesses, including the proposed Kinshasa Stock Exchange.
Officials expect that over time, the dual-currency exchange will bolster usage of the Congolese franc.
