DRC modernizes contractor attestation delivery with digital platform

The Autorité de Régulation de la Sous-traitance dans le Secteur Privé (ARSP) has launched a fully digitalized process for issuing Attestations de sous-traitance, a critical document for businesses operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This reform, spearheaded by ARSP Director General Juan Ted Beleshayi Kasanda, marks a decisive step toward administrative efficiency in the country’s private sector.

Faster processing and enhanced security

The transition to a paperless system eliminates bureaucratic bottlenecks that have long delayed business operations. Instead of waiting weeks, companies can now receive their attestations in as little as seven days, with the goal of reducing this to just 72 hours in the near future. Each digital attestation is secured with a QR code, allowing instant verification of authenticity via the ARSP’s official website, where a complete list of valid attestations is publicly accessible.

Key improvements introduced

• Electronic delivery: Attestations are now issued in digital format and can be printed by recipients at their convenience.
• Extended validity: The validity period has been increased from three to five years for both new applications and renewals.
• Simplified procedures: The entire process—from application submission to final issuance—is now fully automated, reducing human error and corruption risks.

Early adopters and long-term vision

The ARSP has already issued digital attestations to seven pioneering companies, including MASKAN SERVICES SARL, PANAFRIVA SARLU, and NKAEL SERVICES SARL. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize the business environment and boost investor confidence in the DRC.

« This reform reflects our commitment to streamlining administrative processes, supporting economic operators, and fostering a more conducive business climate, » stated a representative from the ARSP.

Impact on the private sector

The digitalization of contractor attestations is expected to:

• Accelerate project execution by eliminating delays in document processing.
• Reduce costs associated with physical document handling and storage.
• Enhance transparency and trust in regulatory processes.
• Align the DRC with global best practices in e-governance and business facilitation.