akins station

kinshasha News

The Democratic Republic of Congo has been elected to chair the African Union's Peace and Security Council for 2025-2026, with President Félix Tshisekedi pledging to prioritize conflict resolution in the Great Lakes region. The World Bank approved a $1.2 billion grant for urban infrastructure development in Kinshasa following successful economic reforms. The UN reports significant progress against M23 rebels in the east, though humanitarian concerns persist with 120,000 new displacements in May.

China and DRC signed a revised minerals partnership, increasing Congo's share of mining revenues to 35%. The EU imposed sanctions on 12 individuals for destabilizing activities in Kasai region.

Business and Economic News

• Congolese franc stabilizes at CDF2,450/USD after central bank interventions
• Inflation slows to 9.8% (from 15.2% in 2024) with food inflation at 12.3%
• Copper production hits record 2.8 million metric tons (up 18% YoY)
• Kinshasa Financial Center attracts $150 million in fintech investments
• Fuel prices decrease by 7% following global oil trends

Political News

• National Assembly approves controversial decentralization bill amid opposition protests
• Kinshasa Governor Gentiny Ngobila faces corruption probe over $8 million road contracts
• Tshisekedi reshuffles cabinet, replacing mines and health ministers
• DRC and Angola sign new security pact to combat cross-border crime

Employment News

• Formal sector unemployment drops to 8.5% (Kinshasa at 7.2%)
• 25,000 new jobs created in construction, mining services and digital sectors
• Government launches "Kin Digital" program training 10,000 youths in tech skills
• Minimum wage increases to CDF150,000/day (≈$60/month) for formal workers

Entertainment News

• Fally Ipupa news "Festival Kin Biso" at Stade des Martyrs (June 20-22)
• New film "Kinshasa Makambo" premieres at Canal+ Kin Plaza
• Comedy show "Les Bobos du Pool" sells out at Institut Français
• Reopened Académie des Beaux-Arts hosts pan-African art exhibition

Election News

• CENI begins biometric voter registration for 2026 general elections
• Latest polls show Tshisekedi's UDPS at 48%, opposition coalition at 38%
• Opposition alleges irregularities in voter registration process
• EU election observation mission arrives for pre-assessment

Legal News

• Military court sentences 15 M23 rebels to life imprisonment
• Constitutional Court rules in favor of indigenous land rights in mining zones
• New anti-corruption law establishes special prosecution unit
• 18 officials convicted in $6 million COVID-19 funds scandal

Market News

• Marché de la Liberté vendors strike over new tax enforcement
• Maize prices drop 20% following good harvest
• Fuel stabilizes at CDF2,300/liter for petrol
• New Kin Mart shopping complex opens in Gombe

Forecast

Friday: Thunderstorms, 31°C/22°C
Saturday: Humid, 32°C/23°C
Sunday: Heavy rain, 29°C/22°C
Monday: Cloudy, 30°C/23°C
Tuesday: Sunny intervals, 31°C/23°C
Wednesday: Scattered showers, 30°C/23°C
Thursday: Partly cloudy, 31°C/23°C

Local Events

town:

TP Mazembe vs AS Vita Club derby (june 20)
Kinshasa Marathon training begins (Race day August 17)

Concerts:

"Rumba Night" at Palais du Peuple (June 27)
Koffi Olomidé homecoming concert (June 21)

Cultural:

Lingala Poetry Festival at Musée National (June 28-20)
Congo River Cultural Week (June 22-25)

Community:

Marché des Créateurs artisan fair (june 20-16)
Kinshasa Food Festival (June 29-22)

Final Notes

Kinshasa continues its transformation as Central Africa's economic and cultural powerhouse, though significant challenges remain in infrastructure and governance. While mineral revenues and reforms boost macroeconomic stability, many residents still face daily hardships. The city's vibrant arts scene and upcoming elections promise both continuity and change. With major urban projects underway and political tensions simmering, Kinshasa stands at a pivotal moment in its development trajectory. The coming year will test whether recent gains can translate into broad-based prosperity for its 17 million inhabitants.