DRC Launches SYGREM Digital Platform to Modernise Freight Management and Track Cargo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched a new digital platform aimed at centralising freight management, improving cargo traceability and strengthening oversight of revenue generated from freight-tracking services.
The Multimodal Freight Management Office (OGEFREM) officially launched the Multimodal Fee Management System (SYGREM) in Kinshasa on September 1, 2026.
The launch was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba.
Developed through a partnership between OGEFREM and PADS Corporation, SYGREM will digitise applications and processing for key freight documents, including the Electronic Import Information Form (FERI), Destination Certificate (AD) and Electronic Export Information Form (FERE).
Digital Platform to Track Cargo and Payments
SYGREM brings freight documentation, cargo-tracking information and payment processes onto a single digital platform.
The system provides for end-to-end cargo geolocation, online payments and revenue collection through dedicated OGEFREM bank accounts.
It is also designed to connect government agencies and operators involved in freight processing and integrate data from existing cargo-tracking systems.
OGEFREM says the centralised system should improve transparency, strengthen cargo traceability and enhance controls over revenue associated with freight-tracking documents.
The platform is also expected to reduce processing times and facilitate import and export procedures, although its actual impact on processing times, shipping costs and revenue collection will only become measurable once the system has been operational for a longer period.
Mandatory Use for Freight Documents
The launch follows an interministerial order signed on December 9, 2025, which amended regulations governing the FERI, Destination Certificate and FERE.
Under the new framework, the use of SYGREM is mandatory for obtaining these freight-tracking documents through the OGEFREM-PADS partnership.
The partnership itself dates back to a public service delegation contract signed in February 2024, followed by a compliance opinion from the Public-Private Partnership Advisory and Coordination Unit and approval of the agreement in May 2024.
The introduction of SYGREM marks another step in the DRC’s efforts to digitise trade and logistics processes, with the potential to improve visibility across the movement of goods and strengthen the management of freight-related revenues.
