Kinshasa International Fair: rehabilitation work suspended
The rehabilitation works of the International Fair of Kinshasa (Fikin), which provided in particular for the construction of an exhibition center, an amusement park, a shopping center, a hotel and a hall of congresses, are currently on hold. The Turkish company Milvet, which had been chosen to carry out this work, would have requested a camp with an area of six hectares for a period of ten years, in addition to carrying out the rehabilitation work. The company’s facilities would have been installed on the grounds of the Fair, which would have led to the work being stopped at the request of the Congolese party. The Fikin rehabilitation project was an important tourism project that was to help the city of Kinshasa to strengthen its attractiveness and attract many visitors.
The suspension of works is a blow for the inhabitants of Kinshasa, who expected a lot from this rehabilitation project. They hoped that the Kinshasa International Fair would become a major center of attraction for the city, bringing jobs and stimulating economic development. However, due to differences between the stakeholders, the project risks being abandoned.
This situation is yet another example of the difficulties encountered by investment projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although the country has considerable potential, the complexity of the business environment and political instability can deter foreign investors. The Congolese government must put in place mechanisms to simplify investment procedures and guarantee a stable and predictable environment for foreign investors. This could help reduce the risks associated with investment projects and encourage more foreign companies to invest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In conclusion, the suspension of the rehabilitation works of the International Fair of Kinshasa is a blow for the inhabitants of Kinshasa and for the entire Congolese economy. The Congolese government must work to create a more favorable business environment for foreign investors, in order to guarantee sustainable economic development for the country.