News in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is marked by increased efforts in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the water, electrification and industrialization sectors. The Minister of State in charge of Planning, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, recently stressed at the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development that the progress made is increasingly visible.
In the water sector, the Congolese government has accelerated reform aimed at the decentralization and liberalization of services. Regulatory texts have been finalized and an institutional framework is being put in place. A Water Sector Regulatory Authority has also been created, paving the way for private sector involvement. Actions have also been undertaken at the local level for the establishment of independent water authorities. A national water policy has been developed to guarantee access to clean and safe water for all Congolese.
In the field of electrification, the DRC has made significant progress. The implementation of the electricity law allowed the creation of the Electricity Regulatory Authority and the National Agency for Electrification and Energy Services. These initiatives have favored the growing participation of the private sector in the production of electricity, already representing 13% of the global supply. However, challenges remain, particularly with regard to the quality of electricity and frequent outages, which pose significant problems for industries and services dependent on electricity.
Industrialization is another key area of development in the DRC. The country aims to provide a sufficient supply of electricity to support industrial growth, particularly in the mining sector which accounts for 55% of total demand. However, further efforts will be needed to meet growing demand and improve power quality to fully support industrial development.
The DRC is therefore positioning itself as a committed player in the achievement of the SDGs, by implementing reforms and concrete actions in the water, electrification and industrialization sectors. The progress made demonstrates the Congolese government’s desire to create an environment conducive to sustainable development and to improve the quality of life of the population. The DRC remains open to partnerships and exchanges of experience with friendly countries to strengthen these efforts and achieve the objectives set.
In short, the DRC is making great strides in implementing the SDGs, particularly in the water, electrification and industrialization sectors. These advances demonstrate the Congolese government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens and contributing to sustainable development.. Challenges persist, but the DRC remains open to international cooperation to strengthen these efforts and achieve the objectives set