Title: Accountability of the general budget in the DRC: 128% execution for the 2022 financial year
Introduction :
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently published its general budget accountability report for the 2022 financial year. This report reveals an execution rate of 128%, i.e. a budget overrun of 28,641 billion Congolese Francs ( CDF). In this article, we will analyze the main findings of this report and examine the ministries that contributed to this budget overrun.
A significant budget overrun:
According to the Minister of Finance, Nicolas Kazadi, budget expenditures of the Central Government of the DRC amounted to 22,253 billion Congolese Francs (CDF) for the 2022 financial year. However, general budget revenues reached 23,863, 20 billion Congolese Francs (CDF), thus exceeding initial forecasts. Despite this large revenue surplus, expenditures also increased significantly, leading to a deficit balance of 3,481 billion Congolese Francs (CDF).
The ministries responsible for the budget overrun:
The accountability report lists the ministries and institutions that contributed to this budget overrun. Among the ministries having recorded a significant overrun are the Presidency (190%), the Prime Minister’s Office (132%), the National Assembly (145%) and the Senate (184%). Other ministries such as Foreign Affairs (401%), Defense and Veterans Affairs (249%) and Environment (371%) also exceeded their allocated budgets.
The challenges of budget management:
This budget overrun raises questions about the management of public resources in the DRC. Despite efforts to raise additional revenue, expenditures continued to increase significantly. This underlines the importance of rigorous management of public finances and the prioritization of expenditure according to the real needs of the country.
Conclusion :
The reporting of the general budget in the DRC for the 2022 financial year reveals a significant budget overrun. Expenditures exceeded revenues, resulting in a deficit balance of 3,481 billion Congolese Francs (CDF). This situation raises questions about financial management and the need for better planning and more efficient use of public resources. It is essential that government authorities take steps to improve transparency and accountability in public financial management to ensure more rigorous and effective budget management.