Kinshasa, 09 January 2025 – Rawbank, the leading bank in the Democratic Republic of Congo, announces the launch of its second issue of negotiable debt securities (commercial paper), amounting to USD 10 million, intended for a local mining operator in the Katanga region. This operation, arranged by Rawbank’s trading desk, confirms the bank’s role as a key player in financial innovation in the DRC, while addressing the strategic financing needs of businesses operating in key sectors of the national economy.
After the success of its first issue in 2022, which marked a major advance for the financial market in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rawbank confirms its pioneering role by introducing solutions increasingly adapted to local specifics. For this new issue, a major innovation has been integrated: a corporate guarantee – a first in the DRC – which strengthens investor security and expands financing options available in the money market. This operation has been validated by the Central Bank of the Congo (BCC) under Instruction 50, which governs negotiable debt securities.
Mustafa Rawji, CEO of Rawbank, stated: “This operation strengthens our position as a leader in the banking sector in the DRC and underscores our commitment to supporting the country’s economic development. By facilitating access to financing for key companies, we contribute to the growth and diversification of the national economy.”
Mr. Etienne Mabunda, Commercial Director of Rawbank, added: “This second issue of commercial paper demonstrates our ability to innovate and meet the specific needs of our institutional clients. Thanks to our trading desk, which complies with international standards, we were able to structure this operation optimally, also offering our investors superior yield opportunities in a competitive market context.”
The mining sector, which represents over 70% of DRC exports, remains a cornerstone of the Congolese economy. By enabling a local operator to access competitive financing, this new issuance directly contributes to stimulating economic activity in the region and enhancing investor confidence, while also encouraging local savings through attractive financial products.
About RAWBANK
For 23 years, with total assets of $5 billion, Rawbank has supported the development of the Congolese economy. As the leading bank in the DRC for 12 years, Rawbank offers the most modern products and services to its 500,000+ Corporate, SME, and Individual clients through a network of more than 100 branches in 19 provinces, a digital offering with Illicocash, internet banking, and over 250 ATMs.
Its efforts have been recognized with the African Bankers Award 2022 and 2024 for the best regional bank in Central Africa, a Moody’s rating of CAA 1, and ISO/IEC 20000 and ISO/IEC 27001 certifications. Partners who trust RAWBANK include: IFC, AfDB, TDB, BADEA, Shelter Africa, AGF, and others.
Partners who trust RAWBANK include: AfDB, AGF, IFC, BADEA, Shelter Africa, TDB, and Afrexim. For more information, visit our website: www.rawbank.com
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