DR Congo Signs €40M Tourism Sponsorship Deal with Barcelona

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has signed a four-year sponsorship deal with FC Barcelona worth over €40 million to promote the country as the "heart of Africa." The agreement, which costs the Congolese government between €10 million and €11.5 million annually, features the DRC logo on the backs of training and warm-up jerseys for both the men's and women's teams, as well as in club advertisements, the annual report, and the club magazine. This deal is part of a broader initiative to enhance the country's international image and boost tourism and investment despite ongoing internal conflicts. Similar sponsorship agreements have been made with European clubs AS Monaco and AC Milan, with Monaco's deal valued at €1.6 million per season and AC Milan's at €14 million annually. The sponsorship has sparked debate over its justification given the DRC's social needs and the government's prior criticism of other African tourism campaigns, including a call to end "Visit Rwanda" sponsorships amid regional tensions.