Investissements durables et responsabilité sociale dans le secteur bancaire en RDC : étude comparative de cas

Abstract

In a world that is increasingly aware of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, financial institutions are at the heart of efforts to promote sustainable development. This growing awareness of the need to transit into a more sustainable and responsible economic practice has led to the adoption of several international regulatory frameworks, such as the Equator Principles, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the Paris Climate Agreement. These initiatives share a common goal: a radical transformation of economic models to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), although the banking sector is still in the process of structuring itself around these issues, it is gradually beginning to integrate the principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable investment into its operations.

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze how CSR and sustainable investment practices are integrated into banks operating in the DRC. The central question of this study is: To what extent do banks in the DRC take social responsibility and sustainable investment principles into account in their business models, and what are the concrete impacts of this integration?

The importance of this topic is highlighted by the growing gap between banks' CSR rhetoric and their actual practices. Although many large banks in Africa profess a commitment to sustainable development, the effective implementation of these commitments in their operations often remains unclear. This requires a critical and in-depth analysis of practices beyond institutional communications.

The analysis is based on a comparative study of four major banks operating in the DRC, including two international banks (EQUITY BCDC and ECOBANK) and two local banks with Congolese capital (RAWBANK and TMB). These four institutions, while having distinct profiles, share common characteristics that make the comparative analysis relevant.

This research contributes significantly to the understanding of banking CSR in developing countries. It highlights the importance of a contextualized approach to CSR, considering the institutional, economic, and social specificities of African countries. The practices observed demonstrate innovative adaptations of international standards, making it possible to meet local needs while respecting the fundamental principles of social responsibility.

The results of this study offer several practical recommendations for stakeholders involved in the development of banking CSR in the DRC, including:

• Developing an integrated approach to CSR that goes beyond superficial initiatives to transform operational processes. • Strengthening internal ESG risk assessment and management capabilities. • Ensuring transparency and CSR reporting to strengthen the credibility of commitments and facilitate comparative performance assessment. • Creating a regulatory framework that encourages the adoption of CSR practices without imposing excessive constraints that could hinder innovation. • Strengthen ESG oversight capabilities within the Central Bank of Congo. • Establish tax and regulatory incentives to promote sustainable investment and financial inclusion.

This research shows that, despite the considerable challenges facing the Congolese banking sector, innovative and promising approaches to corporate social responsibility are developing. Although these approaches are still unevenly advanced, they reflect a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability and social responsibility in the financial sector.

It is also essential to recognize certain limitations of this research to guide future efforts. The main difficulty lies in the reliance on public documentary sources, which may lead to an underestimation of certain undisclosed CSR practices. This limitation could be mitigated in future research by incorporating direct interviews with bank executives and beneficiaries of CSR initiatives.

The stakes of CSR are considerable, as the banking sector plays a vital role in financing economic and social development in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A more responsible and sustainable banking sector could make a significant contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and building a more inclusive and environmentally friendly economy.