Saharan Africa’s Struggle with Construction Permits: Congo, Dem. Rep. at the Bottom

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo - The World Bank’s Doing Business report has shed light on the significant challenges faced by businesses in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

A Complex and Bureaucratic Process

According to the report, it takes an average of 123 days and costs around $10,000 to obtain a building permit in Kinshasa, the capital city. This is one of the longest and most costly processes in Africa, making it difficult for businesses to operate efficiently.

Causes of Poor Performance

The DRC’s poor performance can be attributed to several factors, including:

• A complex and bureaucratic process that requires multiple visits to various government agencies and payment of numerous fees.
• Lack of clarity on building regulations.
• Inadequate inspection mechanisms.
• Limited access to insurance and liability regimes.

Comparison with Neighboring Countries

In contrast, neighboring countries such as South Africa and Ghana have made significant strides in streamlining their construction permit processes, making it easier for businesses to operate and grow.

Recommendations for Improvement

The World Bank’s report recommends that governments in sub-Saharan Africa prioritize the following:

• Simplify and digitize construction permit processes: Reduce bureaucracy and increase efficiency.
• Increase transparency and accountability: Publish building regulations online and provide clear guidelines on the permit application process.
• Promote public-private partnerships: Improve the business environment and attract foreign investment.

Key Findings

• Congo, Dem. Rep. ranks 183rd out of 190 countries in terms of dealing with construction permits.
• It takes an average of 123 days to obtain a building permit in Kinshasa, one of the longest processes in Africa.
• The cost of obtaining a building permit is around $10,000, making it one of the most expensive processes in Africa.
• The DRC’s poor performance can be attributed to a complex and bureaucratic process that requires multiple visits to various government agencies and payment of numerous fees.

Conclusion

The World Bank’s report highlights the need for governments in sub-Saharan Africa to simplify and digitize construction permit processes, increase transparency and accountability, and promote public-private partnerships to improve the business environment. By implementing these recommendations, countries can create a more conducive environment for businesses to operate and grow, ultimately leading to economic development and prosperity.