Rawbank leads $1.25 billion debut eurobond in DRC

Rawbank, the largest commercial bank in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has helped the Democratic Republic of the Congo secure $1.25 billion from international investors in its first-ever eurobond, an important step that goes beyond finance and directly affects the country’s economic future and the daily lives of its citizens.

Working with Citigroup and Standard Chartered, the deal gives the government access to long-term funding from global investors for the first time, placing the DRC on the map of countries that can raise money internationally.

What this means for everyday Congolese

The dual-tranche issuance, comprising 5-year and 10-year notes maturing in 2032 and 2037, was priced at yields of 8.75% and 9.50%, respectively. The eurobond attracted more than $5 billion in investor demand across both maturities, underscoring strong appetite for the country’s credit and reflecting a risk premium broadly aligned with emerging market benchmarks.

This $1.25 billion is not just a financial transaction; it is funding that can be used to improve infrastructure, power supply, healthcare, education, and public services. If managed effectively, it can translate into better roads, more reliable electricity, improved hospitals, and stronger schools.

It also creates room for job creation. Large government-funded projects, such as construction, energy, and transport, typically require thousands of workers, meaning more employment opportunities for citizens and increased income for families.

Lower pressure on local finances

The successful issuance comes amid improving macroeconomic fundamentals in the DRC, including inflation moderated to about 2.3%, projected economic growth of 5.8%, and public debt levels near 18% of GDP, among the lowest globally.

Before now, the government relied heavily on local borrowing or limited external funding. By accessing global markets, the DRC can raise larger amounts of money at once, helping it fund major projects without putting excessive strain on local banks or businesses. This helps stabilize the financial system and ensures that local businesses can still access loans, which supports entrepreneurship and small business growth.

Rawbank’s expanding influence

With total assets of $6.8 billion, Rawbank, currently led by Mustafa RAWJI, has played a central role in financing the Congolese economy for more than two decades. The bank serves over 500,000 clients across corporate, SME, and retail segments through a network of more than 100 branches spanning 19 provinces. Last month, Rawbank secured a $50 million financing, as part of a broader $265 million financing package led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand SME in DR Congo.

DRC $1.25 billion eurobond — Rawbank announces the successful issuance of the DRC’s first-ever eurobond, acting as Joint Global Coordinator alongside Citigroup and as Joint Bookrunner together with Citigroup and Standard Chartered Bank.

This eurobond is more than a one-time event; it sets a benchmark for future borrowing and opens the door for Congolese companies to also raise money internationally. If the funds are used wisely and transparently, the real impact will be seen in improved living standards, stronger infrastructure, and a more resilient economy. For many citizens, the benefits may not be immediate, but over time, this kind of financing can help build a more stable, prosperous, and opportunity-rich Democratic Republic of the Congo.