Bilateral relations Switzerland–Democratic Republic of the Congo
Switzerland and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) enjoy cordial bilateral relations, centred mainly on development cooperation, peacebuilding and humanitarian aid.
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Switzerland has set out a strategy for Africa for 2025–28, with objectives and measures for Central Africa presented in section 5.3.
Switzerland's presence in the DRC is based on the coordinated use of development cooperation, peacebuilding, human rights and humanitarian aid instruments.
This allows Switzerland to respond as effectively as possible to the complex political, security, humanitarian and development challenges facing the Great Lakes region, of which the DRC is a part.
Economic cooperation
Economic relations between Switzerland and the DRC are modest. Only a few Swiss-based multinationals are present in the DRC, despite the country’s considerable potential. Most of the goods imported by Switzerland are agricultural and forestry products. Swiss exports to the DRC are mainly graphic arts products, chemical and pharmaceutical products, industrial machinery and precision instruments, followed by used cars.
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) offers university level scholarships on the basis of reciprocity to a pool of about a dozen countries in southern and central Africa, including the DRC.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Peacebuilding and human security
Switzerland’s “Great Lakes Strategy” also covers peacebuilding and human rights measures and projects.
It aims to help prevent recurring conflicts in the region and strengthen the resilience of affected communities by improving governance, civilian protection and respect for human rights. To this end, Switzerland is supporting various political processes for conflict resolution, promoting local dialogue initiatives and campaigning against impunity.
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
As part of its 2026–29 cooperation programme, Switzerland aims to alleviate the humanitarian consequences of the protracted conflicts in the east of the DRC. Through a combination of humanitarian aid, development and peace promotion, Switzerland is strengthening the protection of civilians, the economic resilience of vulnerable populations and access to basic services in order to promote peaceful and sustainable coexistence.
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
Swiss nationals in the DRC
At the end of 2024, there were 165 Swiss nationals living in the DRC.
History of bilateral relations
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (known as Zaire from 1971 to 1997) was under Belgian colonial rule (“Belgian Congo”) up to 1960. Although its colonisation under the reign of King Leopold II (1865–1909) received Swiss support, religious and intellectual circles, mainly in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, campaigned at the same time against slavery, founding the “Société suisse de secours aux esclaves africains” in 1908.
The two world wars saw tremendous growth in economic and financial exchanges between the two countries. Switzerland opened a consulate in Leopoldville (present-day Kinshasa) in 1928. It was upgraded to a consulate general in 1958 and was made an embassy in 1962. Switzerland recognised the newly independent country in 1960, after the departure of the Belgian colonial power.
In 1972, Switzerland began providing technical assistance to the new state and concluded two bilateral trade and investment protection agreements. However it was not possible to carry out the projects planned due to the political situation in Zaire under President Mobutu.
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
Links
- Switzerland and the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Treaty database
- Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
- Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
- Democratic Republic of the Congo, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
Documents
Africa Strategy 2025–2028
On 20 December 2024, the Federal Council adopted its new Strategy for Africa 2025–2028. Peace and security, prosperity and competitiveness, as well as the environment, democracy and governance are the priorities of the strategy. In view of the growing political and economic importance of the African continent, Switzerland intends to strengthen its partnerships with the continent in the interests of both sides.
Swiss cooperation programme in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2026–29
(French)
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