Current Time in Lubumbashi
The culture of time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The culture of time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Flexible sense of time
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is common for appointments and events to start later than scheduled. The start time is considered a "guideline," and delays of about 10 minutes to an hour are not considered a problem.
Official events and gatherings are often delayed as well
Government meetings and local events rarely start on time, and it is common for them to start once all participants have gathered. Therefore, participants often act with the understanding that "it is natural to be late" from the beginning.
Different sense of time between urban and rural areas
In urban areas such as the capital Kinshasa, business has become increasingly internationalized in recent years, and people's awareness of time is becoming somewhat strict. On the other hand, a more relaxed sense of time is rooted in rural areas.
Values regarding time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
A culture that values human connections
"Relationships" tend to take priority over time, and even if you are late, sincere attitudes and polite communication are often valued. There is a strong culture that values trust with others more than punctuality.
The concept of "African time"
In many African countries, including the Congo, there is a term "African time," which symbolizes tolerance and flexibility regarding time. This value is everyday for many people and is considered part of a less stressful way of life.
Things foreigners should know about time when traveling or relocating to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
It is important not to be too particular about promised time
In the local area, it is more important to be flexible according to the situation than to be on time. If foreigners demand a strict schedule, it can cause misunderstandings and conflicts, so a tolerant attitude is necessary.
Plans are easily affected by traffic and infrastructure
Even in urban areas, traffic jams and power outages occur frequently, so travel and meeting plans can be significantly delayed. It is important to confirm meetings and visits the day before or on the day.
Be aware of differences in time consciousness in business situations
When dealing with international companies and NGOs, punctuality is required, while flexibility is the norm for local companies and government offices. The key to success is to respond appropriately to the other party.
Interesting trivia about time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Radio is the standard for time
Many households use radio news and music programs to manage their daily time rather than alarm clocks or smartphones. Especially in rural areas, morning radio programs serve to announce the "start of the day".
Weddings and religious events are often delayed by several hours
It is not uncommon for large events such as weddings and baptisms to start two to three hours later than the time written on the invitation. Participants also act on this premise, and it is common sense for them to be late.
Market opening hours are also quite vague
At local markets, even if opening hours are posted, the actual opening and closing times vary from day to day. They often close late or early depending on the health of the sellers, the weather, or events.