Augustin Matata Ponyo, declared presidential candidate in December 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recently presented his political program at an event in Kindu, in the province of Maniema. Former Prime Minister and senator, Matata Ponyo presented an ambitious and quantified program, amounting to 90.2 billion US dollars spread over five years, with an annual budget of nearly 18 billion dollars.
Matata Ponyo’s program is based on four strategic priorities. The first block concerns peace and security, which are essential to ensure the development and prosperity of the Congolese nation. The second block focuses on the revival of road infrastructure, aimed at improving communication routes across the country. Industrialization is the third pillar of the program, aimed at developing the DRC’s industrial sector and fostering job creation. Finally, the fourth block focuses on state reform, recognizing the importance of an efficient and competent public administration to support all government actions.
Matata Ponyo aims to propel the DRC’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to US$1,000 per capita, thus allowing the country to join the category of middle-income economies. This ambition reflects its vision to modernize and make the state more competitive, effective and efficient.
However, it should be noted that Matata Ponyo also faces charges of embezzlement of public funds in connection with the Bukanga Lonzo agro-industrial project in Kwango province. These allegations cast a shadow over his campaign and raise questions about his probity.
Despite this, Augustin Matata Ponyo remains a major presidential candidate in December 2023 in the DRC. Its quantified program and its economic development ambitions testify to its determination to transform the country and improve the living conditions of its inhabitants.
There is no doubt that the next few months will be decisive in the race for the presidency in the DRC, and it remains to be seen how Augustin Matata Ponyo will be able to convince voters of the validity of his program and his ability to lead the country towards a better future