DRC Lottery modernisation gains momentum with planned SONAL relaunch
Planned 2026 SONAL relaunch and parliamentary oversight measures signal continued reform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s gambling and lottery sector.
DRC.- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is moving swiftly to modernise its gambling and lottery sector. Officials say the reforms aim to increase transparency, strengthen revenue collection and make the industry more competitive. Central to these plans is the state‑owned National Lottery Company (SONAL), which is preparing for a planned relaunch in 2026.
The reform initiative gained momentum in December 2025, when Finance Minister Doudou Li‑Botayi convened a high‑level meeting in Kinshasa with sector stakeholders, including SONAL leadership. Officials discussed governance reform, financial transparency and strategies to position the national lottery as a more structured and competitive state operator.
Li‑Botayi said in a government communiqué, according to ACP: “The reform aims to improve the organisation of the sector, to strengthen the mobilisation of domestic revenue and to ensure better oversight of activities related to games of chance and gambling.”
Officials say preparations for SONAL’s relaunch are ongoing, with a focus on aligning operations with international standards, increasing revenue collection and strengthening regulatory oversight. Preparatory work continued into January 2026, as authorities advanced operational improvements to bolster competitiveness.
Reforms drive growth
In February 2026, lawmakers tabled a parliamentary initiative aimed at clarifying government levies, enhancing sector oversight and integrating anti‑money‑laundering and counter‑terrorism measures. The proposal reflects the government’s continued focus on modernising the gambling and lottery sector. These steps build on the April 2025 draft law, which laid the foundation for reform. While the bill’s current legislative status has not been formally confirmed in 2026, the proposal underscores sustained policy attention.
Officials note that these reforms, together with SONAL’s planned relaunch, could bring greater regulatory clarity, boost investor confidence and foster a more robust commercial environment for lottery and gambling operations across the DRC.
As March 2026 begins, the government’s coordinated strategy is gaining momentum, aiming for clearer rules, stronger revenue and a more competitive, transparent sector with SONAL preparing for its planned relaunch.
