DRC Payroll System Fragmented, Digitalization Recommended by Finance Watchdog

An audit by the Democratic Republic of Congo's General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) has uncovered significant flaws in the public payroll system, describing it as fragmented and lacking integration. The IGF presented preliminary findings on June 5, 2026, to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, highlighting issues stemming from multiple entities involved in the payment chain.

Christophe Bisimwa, the Inspector General of Finance, stated that the initial analysis, while provisional, points to dysfunctions that need addressing. The IGF is recommending that the government implement a unified and digitized system for managing payroll. This move aims to rectify inconsistencies and enhance the effective control of public employee remuneration.

The next phase of the audit will involve on-site investigations within government personnel management services to identify the root causes of discrepancies. The ultimate goal is to propose corrective measures and structural reforms. The IGF also noted that the state's payroll has seen consistent growth from 2023 to 2026, driven by salary adjustments and state commitments, though it continues to be the largest component of public spending.

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We have finished the first stage of this work, which is the analysis of the liquidation statement. We have presented interim conclusions, not definitive ones. Fieldwork must continue from Monday. We will go down to all the services that manage personnel to analyze the anomalies and discrepancies noted. Only at the end of this stage will we have a final report.