An American financial technology company has initiated legal action in the United States against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and several senior Congolese officials, alleging an attempted bribery scheme and breach of contract linked to a major digital finance project.
Idaho‑based Pay Services filed the lawsuit in a U.S. court, saying it was invited in late 2023 to help revitalise the DRC’s public bank and modernise the country’s financial infrastructure. The company claims it invested more than $72 million in technology and services under an agreement that required the Congolese state to pay $20 million within two weeks of project milestones.
According to the legal complaint, multiple high‑ranking officials including the Minister of Public Enterprises, Minister of Finance, and the Governor of the Central Bank, allegedly sought bribes from Pay-Services without the knowledge of the President of the DRC. When Pay Services refused the demands, it alleges the officials conspired to undermine and ultimately terminate the contract. Pay-Services is seeking $20 million in damages and reimbursement for its investment. The lawsuit also mentions close associates of President Félix Tshisekedi, including his chief of staff, although it does not accuse the president himself of involvement.
In response, the DRC’s Ministry of Public Enterprises dismissed the allegations as unfounded, accusing PayServices of misrepresenting itself as a bank despite lacking the legal status to operate as one. The ministry stated it has ceased administrative follow‑up of the case to safeguard the public treasury.
The dispute highlights ongoing challenges for foreign investors in Africa’s largest country by landmass, where corruption and governance issues have repeatedly complicated major infrastructure and finance projects.
