The Congolese government has adopted a new draft law amending Law No. 11/011 of July 13, 2011 relating to Public Finances. This amendment aims to update certain provisions of the previous law and to include new provisions relating to new or evaded matters.
The bill was presented and defended by the Minister of State, Minister of Budget Aimé Boji during a meeting of the Council of Ministers in Kinshasa on May 25, 2023. The minutes of the meeting explained that the establishment of this mode of public finance management was also dependent on certain cross-cutting reform actions, in particular public accounting, the rationalization of public administration structures, the deconcentration of payment orders, and the adaptation of the public finance information system. .
This bill introduces some important changes, such as the addition of a definition relating to the debate on budgetary orientation and staffing. It also schedules this debate during the March parliamentary session and introduces new documents that accompany the Finance Bill for the year.
The modernization of the legislation relating to public finances in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a crucial issue for the country which seeks to improve the management of its public finances. It should be recalled that the management of Congolese public finances was previously governed by a law dating from 1983 and no longer corresponded to the requirements of the 2006 Constitution.
The reforms initiated since 2002 have enabled budgeting based on a logic of results by means of program budgets, which represents a major step forward. This also made it possible to take into account the principles of free administration of the provinces and decentralization, the redefinition of supplementary budgets and the establishment of special accounts, as well as the cash unit and the treasury unit.
The modernization of legislation relating to public finances should enable the country to adapt to the economic and financial requirements of the 21st century. This modification is a strong signal sent to national and international investors who expect a secure business climate and consistent financial management.