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DR Congo Central Bank Announces Ban on Foreign Currency Cash Transactions from 2027

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6 months ago

April 10, 2026

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The Central Bank of the Democratic Republic of Congo (BCC) has announced plans to prohibit cash transactions in foreign currencies, including the US dollar, starting April 9, 2027, in a fresh attempt to promote the use of the local Congolese franc (CDF) and reduce dollarisation in the economy.

In a statement issued on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the BCC declared that from the effective date, “no person will be authorised to carry out cash transactions in foreign currencies,” and commercial banks will no longer be allowed to import or distribute physical foreign banknotes.

Under the new measure, payments in dollars, euros or other foreign currencies will still be permitted, but only through electronic means such as bank transfers, cards, or mobile money platforms. Cash dealings must be conducted exclusively in Congolese francs.

The BCC’s move aims to strengthen the national currency, enhance monetary sovereignty, and curb the widespread use of the US dollar, which dominates many business transactions in the country despite official policies favouring the CDF.

The Congolese economy has long been heavily dollarised, with foreign currency widely accepted even in everyday dealings.

This is not the first attempt by the BCC to limit dollar use. Previous efforts to ban or restrict foreign currency have largely failed to take full effect, as the dollar remains deeply entrenched in commerce, mining, and daily life across the vast Central African nation.

The announcement comes amid broader initiatives by the central bank, including interventions in the foreign exchange market and efforts to build gold reserves, to support the Congolese franc and reduce reliance on the US dollar.

Analysts and businesses are watching closely to see how the policy will be enforced, given past challenges in implementing similar restrictions in a country where cash remains king and banking penetration is relatively low.

The BCC has urged the public and financial institutions to prepare for the transition and to rely increasingly on formal banking and electronic payment systems.

Further details on implementation guidelines and penalties for non-compliance are expected in the coming months. The public is advised to monitor official communications from the Banque Centrale du Congo for updates.

Related Topics:2027 Ban on Foreign Currency Central Bank DR Congo Featured

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Naira Exchange Rates Friday, October 16

Published

2 days ago

October 16, 2026

OCHEFA

23 Views

BLACK/ PARALLEL MARKET RATES

₦1370 DOLLAR (USD)

₦1800 POUND (GBP)

₦1510 EURO (EUR)

₦970 CANADIAN DOLLAR (CAD)

₦65 SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR)

₦350 UAE DIRHAM (AED)

₦190 CHINESE YUAN (CNY)

₦100 GHANAIAN CEDI (GHS)

₦2300 WEST AFRICAN CFA F.(XOF)

₦2200 CENTRAL AFRICAN CFA F.(XAF)

₦850 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR AUSSIE (AUD)

CBN OFFICIAL RATES

DOLLAR (USD)₦1331.61

POUND (GBP)₦1764.26

EURO (EUR)₦1490.48

SWISS FRANC (CHF)₦1608.23

JAPANESE YEN (JPN)₦8.4

CFA FRANC (XOF)₦2.27

WEST AFRICAN UNIT OF ACCOUNT (WAUA)₦1802.33

CHINESE YUAN (CNY)₦199.01

SAUDI RIYAL (SAR)₦354.83

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR)₦80.49

Business

WEF could appoint Lagarde as its next chair, sources say

The WEF’s Board of Trustees, which includes Lagarde herself, was due to meet on November 2 and could elect her as its next chair, said the people close to the organisation, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ⁠the matter.

Published

3 days ago

October 15, 2026

OCHEFA

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•European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde

The World Economic Forum could appoint Christine Lagarde as its next chair as soon as next month, four people close to the organisation told Reuters, meaning she would step down early as European Central Bank chief and trigger a wider ‌reshuffle at the top of the ECB.Lagarde’s ECB term is scheduled to end in October 2027.

Leaving early would give European Union leaders a chance to pick a new ECB President before France’s spring presidential election, which opinion polls suggest the far-right could win, and could pave the way for a deal involving two other senior ECB roles.

No final decision has been taken yet, they said.

A spokesperson for the WEF said the forum could not confirm when the next full Board of Trustees meeting would take place, but that the aim was to hold one before the end of the year.

Business

Germany plans tax on sugary drinks

The tax is expected to generate additional revenue for the federal government of €690 million in 2027 and €925 million in 2028.

Published

3 days ago

October 15, 2026

OCHEFA

38 Views

The German cabinet has approved draft legislation to tax sugary drinks in Europe’s biggest economy.

If passed by the German Bundestag, the tax will take effect on 1 July 2027.

The coalition aims to raise revenue for the federal budget while encouraging manufacturers to reduce sugar content and offer healthier products.

The levy is intended to ease pressure on the healthcare system, which faces costs of more than €2 billion every year linked to the high consumption of sugary drinks, which contributes to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.

According to the federal government, Berlin is using the tax to implement “what associations from the fields of health, science, child protection, and consumer protection have long been demanding.”

The tax is expected to generate additional revenue for the federal government of €690 million in 2027 and €925 million in 2028.