The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a vast state located in the heart of Africa. Covering an area of 2,345,410 km², it is considered one of the giants of Africa. To truly reflect the immensity of its territory, it is sometimes referred to as a subcontinent or even a “continent within a continent.” Its wildlife, flora, soil, and subsoil are rich in countless resources, making the DRC one of the most resource-rich countries in the world in terms of potential.

The DRC has nearly 80 million hectares of arable land, 4 million hectares of irrigable land—of which only 1% is currently cultivated. Its vegetation can support around 40 million heads of large livestock, and its fisheries potential is estimated at 700,000 tons of fish per year. With this capacity, the DRC could potentially feed around 2 billion people worldwide.

Moreover, the country is extremely rich in precious minerals, with unexploited reserves estimated at over 24 trillion US dollars. It holds the largest known global reserves of cobalt (51% of known reserves), as well as significant quantities of diamonds, gold, and copper. The DRC also has an extensive hydrographic network covering approximately 77,810 km², including the Congo River, numerous lakes, and rivers, representing about 52% of Africa’s total freshwater reserves. It shares 9,165 km of borders with nine neighboring countries and has an Atlantic coastline of nearly 38 km, providing considerable advantages for trade and investment. Additionally, the country has vast reserves of raw materials required for cement production, such as limestone and clay, making it attractive for investments in this sector.

The DRC’s large population (over 90 million) and vast territory (2,345,410 km²) are major assets for investment in housing, real estate, and hospitality. The hospitality sector, in particular, is booming. With a growing economy, the country is attracting more tourists and investors, which stimulates the demand for high-quality hospitality and catering services.

However, despite these advantages, the DRC struggles to feed its population and still relies on imports to cover its food deficit. It is among the five poorest nations in the world. In 2022, approximately 62% of the population—around 60 million people—lived on less than $2.15 per day. There is also a significant housing shortage, estimated at 3,945,555 units, requiring the construction of 263,039 homes per year. Kinshasa alone accounts for 54.4% of this shortage, meaning 143,092 homes need to be built annually (ANAPI, 2022 Report).