Staff movement and duty of careSevere
Foreign governments warn against all travel, the highest level of warning.
Country risk assessment ยท Africa
Dem. Rep. Congo political and security risk assessment
Dem. Rep. Congo carries a severe level of political and security risk for business. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 5 of 5), up 1 on last week and rising over the last 12 weeks. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.
76of 100
Severe
Band 5 of 5
▲ Up 1 on last week
Africa
Dem. Rep. Congo
What is the political and security risk in Dem. Rep. Congo right now?
Dem. Rep. Congo carries a severe level of political and security risk for business. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 5 of 5), up 1 on last week and rising over the last 12 weeks.
Week on week the picture is little changed. The main standing risks are foreign government warnings, sustained lethal conflict and persistent protest activity.
What are the main risks of operating in Dem. Rep. Congo?
Protest and civil unrestHigh
Protest activity is high and periodically disrupts business districts and roads.
Armed conflict and political violenceHigh
Frequent armed violence is reported in parts of the country.
Sanctions and complianceElevated
New or active sanctions designations touch this country, raising compliance screening needs.
What has changed recently in Dem. Rep. Congo?
Dem. Rep. Congo moved up 1 this week and rose 8 points over the last 12 weeks, from 68 to 76.
- New sanctions designations announced
What happens next? Outlook for the next 1 to 3 months
We assess it is highly likely that Dem. Rep. Congo stays in the Severe band through the end of December.
80 to 90%
0%50%100%
Likelihood ranges are editorial judgments, not advice.
What does it mean for shipping, supply chains and operations?
Ores and metals make up 76% of goods exports (2024 data), so mining regions and export corridors are the exposure to watch.
Trade equals 87% of GDP (2025 data). A highly open economy, so local disruption travels quickly through supplier networks.
Screen counterparties, vessels and cargo against current sanctions lists before transacting.
Only essential operations with specialist security support are advisable.
Key facts
GDPUS$91.0 billionLatest data, 2025
Real GDP growth5.8%Latest data, 2025
Trade87% of GDPLatest data, 2025
Ores and metals76% of goods exportsLatest data, 2024
Population112.8 millionLatest data, 2025
How has the Dem. Rep. Congo threat score moved?
Frequently asked questions
What is the political and security risk in Dem. Rep. Congo for business?
Dem. Rep. Congo carries a severe level of political and security risk for business. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 5 of 5), up 1 on last week and rising over the last 12 weeks.
What are the main geopolitical risks of operating in Dem. Rep. Congo?
The main risk drivers are staff movement and duty of care (severe); protest and civil unrest (high); armed conflict and political violence (high); sanctions and compliance (elevated). Foreign governments warn against all travel, the highest level of warning.
What is the outlook for Dem. Rep. Congo?
We assess it is highly likely (80 to 90%) that Dem. Rep. Congo stays in the Severe band through the end of December.
How often is the Dem. Rep. Congo risk assessment updated?
The Dem. Rep. Congo threat score is updated weekly on the Zed Three World Threat Map, and this assessment is reviewed monthly. It was last updated Nov 2, 2026.
Related country assessments
Published by Zed Three, a private, independent risk intelligence company. Assessment last updated Nov 2, 2026. Threat score updated weekly, last on Nov 2, 2026. General analysis for informational purposes, not security, legal or investment advice.
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