(RAWBANK) - Rawbank, the leading bank in the Democratic Republic of Congo, conducts its second issuance of negotiable debt securities (commercial paper), amounting to USD 10 million. This issuance is targeted at a local mining operator in the Katanga region. Arranged by Rawbank’s trading desk, this operation reaffirms the bank’s role as a key player in financial innovation in the DRC while meeting the strategic financing needs of companies operating in critical sectors of the national economy.

Following the success of its first issuance in 2022, which marked a significant milestone for the DRC’s financial market, Rawbank reaffirms its pioneering position by introducing solutions tailored to local specificities. A major innovation in this issuance is the inclusion of a corporate guarantee—a first in the DRC—enhancing investor security and expanding financing options available in the money market. This operation was approved by the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) under Instruction 50, which regulates negotiable debt securities.

Mustafa Rawji, CEO of Rawbank, stated: This operation strengthens our leadership 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 enterprises, we contribute to the growth and diversification of the national economy. 

Etienne Mabunda, Commercial Director of Rawbank, added: This second commercial paper issuance reflects our ability to innovate and address 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, offering our investors superior returns in a competitive market context.

The mining sector, accounting for more than 70% of the DRC’s exports, remains a cornerstone of the Congolese economy. By enabling a national operator to access competitive financing, this new issuance directly contributes to boosting economic activity in the region, strengthening investor confidence, and stimulating local savings through attractive financial products. 

About Rawbank

For 23 years, with total assets of USD 5 billion, Rawbank has supported the development of the Congolese economy. The leading bank in the DRC for 12 years, Rawbank provides the most modern products and services to over 500,000 corporate, SME, and individual clients through a network of more than 100 branches across 19 provinces, a digital offering with Illicocash, internet banking, and over 250 ATMs. Its efforts have been recognized with the African Banker Awards for Best Regional Bank in Central Africa in 2022 and 2024, a Moody’s CAA 1 rating, and ISO/IEC 20000 and ISO/IEC 27001 certifications. Rawbank’s trusted partners include IFC, AfDB, TDB, BADEA, Shelter Africa, AGF, among others. For more information, visit our website: www.rawbank.com