On behalf of Head of State Félix Tshisekedi, Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde spoke on the last day of the 15th BRICS Summit to present the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a “Solution Country” in the face of global challenges. In his speech, the Congolese Prime Minister underlined the characteristic optimism of the BRICS members to face the challenges facing humanity.
Sama Lukonde noted that this summit is part of the macro-economic and geopolitical change of the world, thus placing the responsibility on each State to find appropriate solutions to major challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, Sustainable Development Goals, energy transition and biodiversity.
The DRC is presented as a key country in these areas. With its vast territory of 2,345,410 km2, it has 80 million hectares of arable land, which makes it an important potential for the development of large agricultural projects. The country is also home to a young workforce of more than 50 million people and has a massive forest that protects the ozone layer and provides essential nature reserves.
In terms of energy, the DRC has a photovoltaic potential estimated at 70,000 megawatts and can provide more than 100,000 megawatts thanks to its Inga hydroelectric dam. In addition, the country has more than 60% of the world’s production of cobalt, a crucial element for batteries used in renewable energies.
The Prime Minister called for increased financial commitment in these areas, particularly in semi-urban centers and villages affected by energy transition and environmental protection. He pointed out that investments in these sectors will help to tackle global challenges in a harmonious way.
By presenting the DRC as a “Solution Country”, Sama Lukonde demonstrated the importance of win-win multilateral cooperation to face global challenges. Capitalizing on the country’s strengths, he stressed the importance of investing in these key areas to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all humanity.
In conclusion, the DRC, with its wealth in natural resources, its agricultural and energy potential, is presented as a key player in meeting global challenges