History

Following independence in 1960, the government of Patrice Lumumba created the Ministry of External Trade by decree-law on December 12, 1960.

Marcel Bisukiro Taboro was the first minister, assisted by Antoine Kiwewa. The ministry's mission included managing international trade agreements, regulating imports and exports, and promoting Congolese products abroad.

Under Zaire, the ministry evolved within a framework marked by national economic policies and a drive to strengthen commercial ties with non-aligned nations.

It supervised trade activities in key sectors such as mining and agriculture, aiming to limit imports and encourage raw material exports.

After 1997, the country entered a transition period during which external trade supported reconstruction efforts and the reorientation of commercial relationships.

Special focus was placed on relations with neighboring countries and international partners amid economic stabilization and global market integration challenges.

Since 2006, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has strengthened its integration into international economic trade. The Ministry of External Trade plays an active role in regional and international trade relations.

This era is also defined by initiatives aimed at modernizing trade infrastructure, diversifying partnerships, and strengthening national capabilities in external trade.

The ministry has progressively strengthened its structure to support trade developments and new challenges related to regional and international trade integration.

This evolution includes reinforcing mechanisms for trade agreements, negotiations, trade fairs, and developing skills required to implement trade policies.