Forum Katanga Business Meeting: Unlocking the economic potential of the DRC for sustainable and equitable growth
The Forum Katanga Business Meeting (KBM) opened its doors on Monday September 11, 2023 in Kolwezi, capital of the Lualaba province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This important event brings together mining operators and aims to reflect on the central theme of “Unlocking the economic potential of the DRC for sustainable and equitable growth: challenges and perspectives”.
The first panel discussion was marked by the participation of the Minister of State, Minister of Planning, Judith Suminwa, who outlined the government’s priorities to unlock the country’s economic potential. According to her, it is essential to emphasize the revenge of the soil on the subsoil, that is to say to favor economic growth based on the exploitation of non-perishable resources such as the sector of agro-industry and energy. She also underlined the importance of diversifying the Congolese economy and the creation of the Mining Fund for Future Generations in order to equitably share resources.
The second speaker, Professor Mabi Mulumba, questioned the effectiveness of partnerships concluded in the mining sector and highlighted the shortcomings of the 2002 Mining Code which did not really benefit the Congolese government. He insisted on the need to diversify the country’s economy and take into account the way mining contracts are negotiated.
The third speaker, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burundi, Ezéchiel Nibigira, proposed his recipe for unlocking the economic potential of the DRC. He stressed the importance of investing in the country’s security to protect valuable resources coveted by neighboring countries, creating a business-friendly environment by fighting corruption, and developing industry to process raw materials on place.
Finally, Professor Mastaki of the United Nations Economic Commission highlighted the support of ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States) in the structured transformation of the economy of several African countries, particularly with regard to concerns the value chain of electric batteries in the DRC.
This first panel of the Forum Katanga Business Meeting highlighted the different perspectives and priorities to unlock the economic potential of the DRC. The diversification of the economy, the protection of resources, the fight against corruption and the development of industry are all challenges to be met to achieve sustainable and equitable growth.
The KBM continues in Kolwezi and will then move to Lubumbashi. This meeting offers a valuable opportunity for economic actors to share their knowledge and experiences in order to stimulate the economic development of the DRC.. An event to follow closely to learn about progress and future prospects for the country.