Overview

• The June 29 contract commits DR Congo to pay FC Barcelona €10–11.5 million per season over four years for ‘heart of Africa’ logos on training and warm-up jerseys and inclusion in club advertising, magazine and annual reports.
• This agreement follows similar deals signed last month with AC Milan at €14 million per season and AS Monaco at €1.6 million per season under the same branding initiative.
• Officials describe the sponsorship drive as a cornerstone of President Félix Tshisekedi’s strategy to reposition the country as a continental leader and stimulate foreign investment.
• The government views these sports marketing deals as a way to counteract economic damage from recent M23 rebel advances in eastern provinces.
• Details have emerged solely from contracts seen by Reuters and ministerial disclosures, with DR Congo’s tourism ministry and Barcelona declining further comment.