An American financial technology company, PayServices, has filed a lawsuit in a United States federal court against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and several senior government officials over a collapsed project to modernise the country’s banking and payments infrastructure.
- PayServices has filed a lawsuit in a U.S. court against the DRC over a failed banking modernization project.
- The company invested over $72 million and alleges non-fulfillment of agreed contributions by the DRC.
- Allegations include corruption, bribery demands, and obstruction by government officials.
- The DRC government denies the claims, asserting the agreements were non-binding and there was no misconduct.
Filed earlier this month in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, the suit claims PayServices invested more than $72 million in a digital finance project involving state institutions, including Caisse Générale d’Épargne du Congo (CADECO), the country’s public savings bank.
PayServices says it was contracted in late 2023 to help digitise government-linked banking operations and payment systems. The firm claims it deployed technology, staff and operational support in anticipation of agreed payments, including a $20 million state contribution that was never made.
According to court filings viewed by AP, the project collapsed after PayServices refused alleged bribe demands from senior officials, leading to what it describes as deliberate obstruction and contract breaches.
Those named include the Minister of Public Enterprises , the Minister of Finance , and the Governor of the Central Bank .
Others include Julie Mbuyi Shiku, Minister of State in charge of the Portfolio; Doudou Fwamba Likunde, Minister of Finance; Anthony Nkinzo Kamole, Chief of Staff to the President; André Wameso, Governor of the Central Bank of Congo; and Célestin Mukeba Muntuabu, Director General of the National Savings Fund (CADECO).
The legal battle is a political embarrassment for President Tshisekedi, coming as the DRC seeks U.S. support on security and mineral trade agreements.
Disputed damages figures
The company is seeking damages and reimbursement of its investment, with claims potentially running into hundreds of millions of dollars.
However, reports differ on the exact amount PayServices is seeking from the DRC. Some news outlets cite a $20 million damages claim plus reimbursement of the company’s $72 million investment, based on AFP-style summaries.
Other sources, summarizing the U.S. court filing in detail, indicate the firm may be seeking up to $4 billion, including projected revenue and broader losses tied to the failed project.
Government rejects claims
The Congolese government has strongly denied the allegations, insisting there was no corruption or contractual breach. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Public Enterprises, the claims were “devoid of any legal, budgetary, or accounting basis .”
It accused the company of falsely presenting itself as a bank when it does not have the “legal status of a banking institution.”
“In this context, the authorities… have ended all administrative follow-up of this case in order to protect the public treasury ,” the ministry said.
Officials argue that documents signed with PayServices were non-binding memorandums of understanding, not enforceable contracts committing public funds.
The case is expected to focus on whether the agreements were legally binding and whether U.S. courts have jurisdiction over claims involving a sovereign state.
