IMF Injects $266M to Stabilize DRC Economy

IMF disburses $266.7M to the DRC on July 15, 2025, to boost reserves and support reforms under its ECF program amid ongoing eastern conflict.

IMF Disburses $266.7M to DRC Under Credit Program to Aid Reform, Stabilization

KINSHASA, July 17, 2025 — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on July 15, 2025, disbursed US $266.7 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the successful first review of the country’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement.

Read IMF’s full press release

The disbursement is part of a US $1.5 billion ECF program approved in December 2023 to support economic stabilization, structural reforms, and social spending amid a backdrop of conflict-related fiscal strain and currency volatility. With this tranche, the IMF seeks to help the central bank strengthen foreign exchange reserves and restore macroeconomic stability.

Why it Matters:

This injection comes at a time when the DRC is facing renewed violence in its eastern provinces, especially North Kivu and Ituri, which has disrupted trade corridors and drained government resources. The IMF noted progress in DRC’s public financial management but warned of “increased downside risks” stemming from security concerns, slow domestic revenue collection, and governance gaps.

“This disbursement is a vote of confidence in DRC’s ongoing reforms, but there’s still a long road ahead in curbing inflation, fighting corruption, and improving fiscal transparency,” said Eric Meyer, IMF Mission Chief to the DRC.

In addition to boosting reserves, the funds will support poverty reduction programs and the expansion of health and education services, aligning with the government’s medium-term development priorities under the National Strategic Development Plan (PNSD).