Inauguration of the first tile factory “made in the DRC” by President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa
On Saturday September 2, 2023, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, marked an economic turning point for the country by inaugurating the first “made in DRC” tile factory in Kinshasa. Located in the Maluku Special Economic Zone, this factory with a production capacity of 70,000 m² per day represents a major step forward in the country’s industrial development.
The official inauguration ceremony brought together numerous officials and economic operators, all witnesses of this crucial stage in the economic growth of the DRC. According to the Ministry of Industry, the production of “made in Congo” tiles and earthenware by SAPHIR CERAMICS generates more than 1,000 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs, a significant contribution to job creation and stimulation of the local economy.
The Congolese Minister of Industry, Julien Paluku Kahongya, welcomed this progress and underlined the importance of special economic zones in the economic transformation of the country. He also announced the upcoming installation of other industries in the Maluku area, including Varun Beverage/Pepsi which will produce more than 54,000 bottles per year, creating more than 1,000 direct jobs and 8,000 indirect jobs.
The heads of industrial companies present at the ceremony expressed their gratitude to the Congolese government for the fiscal, parafiscal and customs advantages granted, thus acknowledging the government’s commitment to the industrial development of the country.
The Director General of the Special Economic Zones Agency (AZES), Auguy Bolanda, encouraged the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC) to seize the opportunities offered by the incentive policy put in place by the Congolese State.
This inauguration marks a new chapter in the economic history of the DRC, heralding an era of industrial development and job creation. The production of tiles “made in the DRC” reflects the economic potential of the country and opens up new prospects for internal trade and export to other countries in the region.
With the inauguration of this plant, the Congolese government is demonstrating its commitment to promoting the country’s economic independence and creating an environment conducive to investment and economic growth. This step is a step towards diversifying the Congolese economy and reducing dependence on imports.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the first “made in the DRC” tile factory is a significant step forward for the country’s economic development. This achievement demonstrates the Congolese government’s determination to promote industrialization and job creation. It also opens up new opportunities for domestic trade and export, thereby strengthening the position of the DRC on the regional economic scene.