In its recent report entitled “Cost of living and decline in the purchasing power of the population: the explanations of the ODEP”, the Observatory of Public Expenditure (ODEP) highlights the alarming increase in the prices of products consumption in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. This study reveals a deterioration in the purchasing power of the Congolese and points to several causes at the origin of this worrying situation.
According to the ODEP, the main reason for the high cost of living in the DRC lies in the low investment in the agricultural sector and the excessive dependence on imports. The NGO points out that the major economic powers such as the United States, China and the European Union are above all agricultural nations, which allows them to guarantee their food security and control the prices of basic products. On the other hand, the DRC, as a neo-colonized country, did not give sufficient importance to its agriculture, which led to a significant increase in prices.
ODEP also denounces the persistent influence of the neo-colonial system, as well as the use of inappropriate liberal economic theories in the development of public policies. According to the NGO, the Congolese ruling class has been complicit with imperialism and has fostered corruption and the embezzlement of public revenues, which has had a negative impact on governance and aggravated the high cost of living.
Faced with this situation, the ODEP advocates a more radical approach to developing development policies adapted to the Congolese reality. According to this approach, development should focus on the eradication of absolute poverty, the satisfaction of basic needs, integration, redistribution and decentralization of power.
It is essential to take concrete measures to remedy this crisis and improve the standard of living of the Congolese. This requires increased investment in agriculture and diversification of the economy, as well as strict anti-corruption measures and transparency in the management of public resources.
It is also necessary to rethink development policies by adopting a more radical approach and by emphasizing the real needs of the Congolese population. Only a visionary approach and a strong commitment from the authorities will be able to reduce the high cost of living and restore the purchasing power of the Congolese.
In conclusion, the high cost of living and the decline in purchasing power in the DRC are the result of various factors such as the neglect of the agricultural sector, the influence of neo-colonialism, corruption and poor governance. It is urgent that measures be taken to remedy this situation and guarantee a decent standard of living for all Congolese