Central Bank of Congo Governor André Wameso visited German banknote technology company Giesecke+Devrient on 19 and 20 October as the Democratic Republic of Congo prepares to restrict domestic cash payments to Congolese francs from 9 April 2027.
The visit focused on modernising the country’s banknote production facilities ahead of the planned change. The reform would end the use of physical US-dollar notes and other foreign currencies for domestic cash payments, while retaining foreign-currency transactions through formal banking channels.
Businesses that routinely pay local suppliers, transporters and contractors in dollar cash would have to change those arrangements. Access to Congolese franc banknotes would become a more immediate requirement for companies whose day-to-day operations depend on cash.
The transition would also bring currency conversion costs into local spending decisions. Companies receiving or holding dollars would need to arrange conversion for domestic cash expenses and review payment terms with suppliers that currently expect dollar notes.
Importers and industrial operators would still be able to settle international purchases in foreign currency through banks. A company buying equipment abroad could therefore continue paying its overseas supplier in dollars through its bank, while paying a local transporter in Congolese francs if that payment is made in cash.
