The DRC is on track to secure strong economic growth, according to a World Bank report. It has a growth rate of 7.7%, which places it at the top of the list of African countries in this area. However, the direct impact of this growth on the quality of life of the population is in question. Indeed, growth is an essential lever for economic development, and its reduction can plunge an economy into crisis or recession. As far as the DRC is concerned, it is difficult to make a precise inventory, but some experts believe that growth does not have a major impact on the daily lives of citizens. Moreover, the DRC’s economic model is still highly dependent on extractive industries, with very low levels of investment compared to countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, non-extractive GDP growth is declining, according to the IMF, with high inflation.
In economics, growth is an important criterion measured by the positive evolution of the production of goods and services in an economy, over a given period. Gross domestic product (GDP) is the aggregate that makes it possible to account for all production activities in an economy, including all the values added by all economic agents. The growth of the GDP, and even more that of the GDP per capita, measures the degree of real enrichment of a population and makes it possible to significantly reduce unemployment. Indeed, a permanent increase in the growth of labor productivity is beneficial for employees, since it allows companies to increase wages and reduce the unemployment rate.
However, the economic situation of the DRC is paradoxical. While the country has a high growth rate, its economic model is still highly dependent on extractive industries. Investment levels are very low compared to countries in sub-Saharan Africa, which undermines the diversification of the economy. Moreover, according to the IMF, non-extractive GDP growth is declining, with a high inflation rate. Thus, the current growth does not have a great impact on the daily life of citizens. It is therefore quite encouraging that the Congolese authorities have set new priorities to reduce dependence on extractive industries, including a commitment to encourage agriculture and special economic zones.