Augustin Matata Ponyo, declared candidate for the December 2023 presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recently presented his political program focused on four strategic priorities. With a budget estimated at 90.2 billion US dollars over five years, or an annual budget of nearly 18 billion dollars, Matata Ponyo intends to raise the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 1000 USD per capita.
The Matata Ponyo program is divided into four major blocks. The first block emphasizes peace and security, essential elements to ensure the stability of the country. The second block concerns the revival of road infrastructure, a crucial issue for the development of the country. Industrialization constitutes the third pillar of the Matata Ponyo program, with the aim of stimulating the economy and creating jobs. Finally, the fourth block aims to reform the State and modernize public administration in order to make the government more competitive and efficient.
Augustin Matata Ponyo expressed his desire to see the DRC join the class of middle-income economies thanks to these reforms. He also took the opportunity to recall the importance of public administration as the backbone of all government action. However, it is worth mentioning that Matata Ponyo is currently facing charges of embezzlement of public funds related to the financing of the Bukanga Lonzo agro-industrial project in Kwango province.
This ambitious Matata Ponyo program raises questions about its feasibility and the achievement of its objectives. It is necessary to carefully assess the available financial resources and ensure transparent and accountable management of these funds. In addition, the fight against corruption and good governance must be priorities to ensure the success of these reforms.
In conclusion, the political program presented by Augustin Matata Ponyo for the 2023 presidential election in the DRC offers an ambitious vision for the development of the country. However, it remains to be seen to what extent these objectives can be achieved and how issues of transparency and the fight against corruption will be addressed. The Congolese population expects concrete solutions and a real improvement in their living conditions. It is therefore up to Matata Ponyo to convince voters of his ability to implement these reforms and lead the country towards a better future.