Analysing How Corruption Affects Entrepreneurs in the Democratic Republic of Congo

This paper investigated the effects of corruption on business owners in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It asserts that a hidden tax imposed by corruption is an omnipresent barrier that impedes the business performance and scaling operations. The study used well-known political science and sociology theories such as Max Weber’s Theory on Neo patrimonialism where the authority is employed through individual association rather than official system. This study used a country case study on how corruption affects entrepreneurs. Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were used. The chosen sample of participants from Kinshasa’s streets completed structured questionnaires. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the participants to complement data from the questionnaires. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics. The findings confirm the effects of corruption on business activities, market distortion and unfair competition, higher operating costs due to informal payments, limited access to contracts and financing, and weak institutional support for entrepreneurs in the DRC. These factors drive numerous businesses toward the unregulated economy, reduce employment opportunities, and diminish the impact of small businesses on economic development in the DRC. This highlights the urgent necessity for more effective anti-corruption measures to promote a stable business climate.