Democratic Republic of the Congo—Financial Sector Deepening Design

This project supported the creation of a locally led institution to advance inclusive financial sector development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Implemented on behalf of the Gates Foundation and in coordination with the World Bank’s Consultative Group to Assist the Poor, the project incubated the institution subsequently launched as Kolisa RDC, or “DRC Growth.”

To inform the design process, DAI took a market system development approach and drew on its extensive networks and experience in the DRC, as well as its role in establishing financial sector development institutions in Mozambique and Zambia. The project worked with Congolese public and private sector stakeholders, development finance institutions, and donors to develop an independent, locally rooted institution aligned with national priorities.

In the course of the design phase, the Africa Resilience Investment Accelerator—a joint initiative of British International Investment, FMO, and Proparco, the French development finance bank—provided additional funding to carry out a comprehensive finance diagnostic for Congolese micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Launched in September 2026, Kolisa RDC advances a financial sector deepening strategy based on four pillars:

• Inclusive digital financial services.
• Finance for MSMEs.
• Financial policy and regulation.
• Data, research, and market insights.

Select Results

• Prepared the institutional design and analytical foundation for Kolisa RDC to operate as an independent Congolese entity supporting inclusive financial sector growth nationwide.
• Established the strategic, technical, governance, and operational foundations for this locally led institution, through which Congolese stakeholders, donors, and development finance institutions can coordinate support for financial sector deepening.
• Developed a five-year strategy to guide Kolisa RDC’s work across its four priority areas.
• Delivered evidence and recommendations to help develop inclusive digital payments and expand access to finance for Congolese MSMEs, based on a comprehensive digital payment system diagnostic.