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Although I haven’t set foot in Congo DRC yet, many of my friends have complex feelings about the country. Whether they’re Westerners, Israelis, Lebanese, or locals from Angola, there’s a deep sense of respect for the challenges that Congo DRC presents. It’s a country with nearly 100 million people, incredibly rich in resources, but its development has been poor, and the economy is far from thriving. On the surface, it sounds like a place that would make most people think twice—its business environment is tough, not for the faint of heart. However, they all tell me the same thing: “Believe me, so many opportunities, it’s worth trying.” The opportunities are indeed abundant, but only for those who are strong and brave enough to seize them.
In fact, I’ve written before about the success stories of Israelis and Lebanese people in Africa. Their success is no accident. These people are inherently tough, able to thrive in harsh environments. They live by the principle of “whoever yells louder, wins.” In a place like Congo DRC, doing business requires not only intelligence but also presence and guts. Those who manage to hold their ground here are not just smart—they’re courageous warriors, capable of navigating the rough terrain that this challenging market presents.
虽然还未踏足刚果（金），但周围不少朋友对这个地方充满了复杂的情感。无论是西方人、以色列人、黎巴嫩人，还是安哥拉本土人，都对这个国家充满敬畏。这是一个人口近亿的国家，资源极其丰富，但发展得非常糟糕，经济也不尽如人意。听起来就像是一个让人望而却步的地方-营商环境“够硬核”，不是谁都敢轻易涉足的。然而，他们却一致告诉我：“Believe me，so many opportunities, it’s worth trying.” 机会确实很多，而且只属于那些够强大、够勇敢的人。
其实，之前我也写过关于以色列人和黎巴嫩人在非洲的成功故事。他们的成功绝不是偶然的。像这些人，本身就很“tough”，适应各种严酷的环境。他们深谙“whoever yells louder, wins”的道理——在刚果（金）这样的地方做生意，不仅要有智慧，还得有气势，更要有足够的胆量。那些能够在这片土地上站稳脚跟的人，都是既聪明又勇敢的“战士”。
文 | Caroline Liang
To be honest, doing business anywhere in Africa is already a "high-level adventure." Each country presents its own unique challenges, from government policies to infrastructure issues, and every step could potentially cause you to stumble. But when it comes to Congo DRC? Many say it’s the “tough of the tough,” sitting at the "top of the top." If you think the business environment in other African countries is nerve-wracking, Congo DRC will take you into a real "survival game."
Congo DRC is like a mysterious jungle on the African continent. With a population nearing 100 million and the second-largest landmass in Africa, its wealth of natural resources—minerals, forests, and water—are abundant. Yet, despite this wealth, Congo DRC remains one of the least developed countries in the world. It's a place that both intrigues and intimidates; a land where opportunity and challenge coexist, truly making it a business game for the brave.
My Jewish, Lebanese, Indian, and Chinese friends often express complex feelings when talking about Congo DRC. They unanimously agree that the country is full of opportunities, and some even use the word "exciting" to describe it. However, they also emphasize that it’s a market fraught with challenges. It’s not a place for just anyone to step into; only those who are truly "tough" can carve out a place here. Among these friends, many are already involved in various businesses in Congo DRC—some in import/export, some in mining, and others in construction. While the "jungle rules" of this land are indeed harsh, the opportunities are equally vast, drawing in those bold enough to take the plunge.
A friend once made a vivid comparison: “Doing business in Congo DRC is like surviving in the jungle—whoever yells louder, wins.” This immediately reminded me of an adventure I had years ago in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.
Back then, my MBA classmate and I spontaneously decided to embark on a two-day trek into the Amazon during a trip to Rio de Janeiro. Even though the plan felt a bit exhausting, we, two rather unassuming Chinese girls, somehow mustered the courage. At 4:30 a.m., we eagerly woke up to catch the sunrise. But instead of witnessing the dawn, we were hit with an overwhelming cacophony of animal sounds. By 5 a.m., the entire jungle was roaring with deafening cries from monkeys and other animals, as if a battle had erupted. Our private guide explained, “They’re fighting for territory—whoever yells the loudest wins.” This “territory battle” lasted about 30 minutes, and then, as quickly as it began, silence returned. The guide told us that the peace meant the battle was over and a winner had emerged, with the territory now claimed.
Though it was just a struggle among jungle animals, it gave me a tangible sense of what the “law of the jungle” really means.
This experience mirrors how I feel about the business environment in Congo DRC. Friends’ descriptions of the country seem to echo this very “jungle law.” Doing business there not only requires intelligence and experience but also demands a certain level of boldness and presence. Those who bring the right energy and strength are the ones who will thrive, while those who aren’t fully prepared may not survive the initial challenges. After hearing these stories, I find myself both intimidated and intrigued by Congo DRC—it’s a place brimming with opportunity but clearly not for the faint of heart.
Initially, the agency told me the visa would be ready in two days, but after almost three weeks, there was still no progress. To make matters worse, I had to go through two interviews! The scrutiny of my documents was even more intense than when I applied for a U.S. 10-year visa. The scene felt more like some kind of business test—sitting across from the consular officer, who meticulously reviewed my papers, I couldn’t help but feel nervous, almost certain I’d be rejected. And after all that, I could only get a one-month visa, for which I paid $300, plus an additional $100 upon entry.
The most puzzling part? Before the interview, my agent advised me, “It’s best not to say anything. Let your Angolan partner speak in Portuguese. Avoid using English or French.” I was completely confused—why couldn’t we speak English or French? But I followed their advice anyway. Honestly, this whole visa process felt like the first real step into doing business in Congo DRC—you must first pass through what seems like a simple, but in reality, quite challenging “jungle checkpoint.” My Angolan friends jokingly remarked, “The opportunities here are huge, which is why they set the bar high—only those with real determination can make it through.”
The visa process is just the warm-up—the real challenges begin once you set foot in Congo DRC. My Angolan business partners have shared countless firsthand stories. For example, a one-hour flight can easily cost $700, and when you arrive, a basic hotel room will set you back at least $300 per night, and even then, a good night’s sleep isn’t guaranteed. As for transportation, it’s not uncommon to see three people crammed onto a single motorcycle navigating through the streets, which can make you question everything.
When it comes to logistics, things get even more complicated. Goods from China are shipped to Angola and then transported overland into Congo DRC. Every step adds to the cost, and each customs checkpoint feels like another hurdle. You have to get used to everything moving slowly, paying more time and money just to get your goods into the market.
In Congo DRC, something as basic as registering a company can take six months to a year without any progress. At that point, you might start wondering if you’ve been scammed. The agents will assure you they’re still working on it, and sometimes they’ll even claim their local partners in Congo DRC have caused delays. Even people with strong connections and local networks often face significant delays, making you realize that navigating the bureaucratic maze is a challenge for everyone.
签证只是“热身”，真正的挑战在你踏足刚果（金）之后才开始。安哥拉的合作伙伴们给我讲了许多实地的故事——一个小时的航班居然能轻松飙到700美元，到了刚果（金），随便找个酒店，价格基本每晚300美元，还不保证你能睡个好觉。更别提交通，听说那边经常看到三个人挤在一辆摩托车上穿街过巷是常态，简直让人怀疑人生。
至于物流，情况就更复杂了。货物从中国运到安哥拉，再通过陆路辗转进入刚果（金）。每一个环节都是成本，每一次通关都是考验。你得习惯在这里“慢”下来，习惯于付出更多时间和金钱，只为了让商品最终能进到市场里。
在刚果（金），随随便便一个公司注册，可能要拖上半年甚至一年，毫无进展。这时，你会开始怀疑是不是被骗了。代理告诉你他们还在努力，有时甚至会说，合作的本地伙伴把他们也坑了。甚至那些背景强、关系广的人，也未必能在短时间内搞定公司注册，很多时候，他们也会遭遇一筹莫展的情况。
刚果-安哥拉的“生意迁徙”：挑战重重但前景无限
刚果（金）和安哥拉的边境贸易也是非常值得一提的现象。尽管两国是邻国，但要安哥拉人进入刚果（金）做生意，难度却高很多。据说，安哥拉这边有很大的优势，特别是罗安达的大港口——这是为什么安哥拉的地理位置比刚果（金）好很多的原因之一。刚果（金）没有完善的港口，很多物资都是通过安哥拉运送，再通过陆路带回刚果（金）。由于刚果（金）的资源匮乏，物价比安哥拉要贵得多，甚至连最基本的商品都极其昂贵。因此，很多商人利用这一点，把从中国运到安哥拉的物资卖到刚果（金），赚取可观的利润。但这绝对不是件容易的事——复杂的手续、昂贵的运费、层层关卡，这些都让你在每一笔交易中都感受到“丛林求生”的意味。这个过程虽然复杂，但一旦进入刚果（金）的市场，利润可观。对于那些已经摸清门道的人来说，刚果（金）的生意就是一场考验耐心和智慧的“长跑”，能坚持到最后的，才能享受到真正的回报。
其实，刚果（金）被困于内陆的历史可以追溯到殖民时代。尽管刚果河通向大西洋，但沿海通道非常有限，无法真正发挥出港口的作用。相比之下，安哥拉的卢安达港一直是非洲重要的物流枢纽，这也让安哥拉在区域经济上占据了优势。
还有一个有趣的故事：
听说在刚刚结束的巴黎奥运会上，有几位刚果（金）的运动员直接利用机会“跑路”，留在巴黎寻求庇护。他们甚至没有参加比赛，因为他们觉得刚果（金）的生活环境太“tough”了，能逃出去就是逃离那片艰苦之地的唯一机会。这也恰恰反映了刚果（金）的现状——有人想尽一切办法逃离，而另一些人却愿意冒险进入，寻找商业机会。
写在最后
Opportunities Await Beyond the Jungle
The numerous uncertainties and challenges make Congo DRC a place full of “deterrents.” Any small issue can make you question whether it’s worth continuing. But it’s precisely these challenges that reveal the immense opportunities for those who are willing to stick it out and take risks.
Soon, I’ll be heading to Congo DRC with my Angolan friends to experience firsthand this market full of both challenges and possibilities. I’ve heard countless stories about this country—while the unknown still makes me a bit uneasy, I’m also filled with anticipation. Each story seems to echo the same message: only the brave thrive in this business jungle. In my next piece, I’ll share my on-the-ground insights from Congo DRC and see how these “jungle rules” play out in reality. Stay tuned!
丛林之外，机遇在等你
太多不确定性和挑战，让刚果（金）充满了“劝退”的元素。任何一个小问题都可能让你怀疑自己是否该继续走下去。但正是这种挑战，让那些敢于坚持、愿意冒险的人看到了巨大的机会。
很快，我将与安哥拉的朋友们一起前往刚果（金），亲自体验这个充满挑战与机遇的市场。听了太多关于这个国家的故事，虽然心里对未知仍有些忐忑，但也充满了期待。这里的每一个故事都像是在告诉我，勇敢者才是这片商业丛林的最终赢家。下一篇，我将分享我在刚果（金）的实地考察，看看那些“丛林法则”究竟是怎样在现实中运作的。Stay Tuned!
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