In a context where the mining sector dominates the economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the agricultural sector is struggling to make its voice heard. According to the Minister of Finance, Nicolas Kazadi, the contribution of the agricultural sector to the country’s economic growth fell to only 0.3% at the end of 2022, compared to 6.8% for the mining sector. A worrying situation which raises the need to revitalize and transform the Congolese agricultural sector.
Indeed, agriculture represents a fundamental pillar of the Congolese economy, employing nearly 70% of the country’s workforce. However, it is often relegated to the status of a subsistence activity, dominated by the informal sector. To change this dynamic, Minister Kazadi calls for a complete transformation of the agricultural sector into commercial and productive agriculture, through the diversification of the agricultural social base.
To achieve this objective, several major challenges will have to be met. First of all, it will be necessary to facilitate access to agricultural inputs and develop the necessary energy and transport infrastructure. Indeed, agriculture needs a strong supply chain to be able to develop effectively. In addition, investments in road and energy infrastructure are crucial to facilitate the marketing of agricultural products and the development of rural areas.
Another major challenge facing Congolese agriculture is the security challenge. Due to political unrest and conflict, many agricultural regions in the DRC face security challenges, hampering their potential for agricultural development. It is therefore crucial to put in place effective security measures to protect farmers and create an environment conducive to innovation and growth.
Faced with these multiple challenges, Minister Nicolas Kazadi underlines the importance of the involvement of the private sector in the transformation of the Congolese agricultural sector. He therefore calls on companies in the sector and large international groups to engage in ambitious projects that will enhance the agricultural potential of the DRC.
In conclusion, the transformation of the agricultural sector is a major challenge for the Democratic Republic of Congo. By diversifying the agricultural social base, improving infrastructure and involving the private sector, it is possible to achieve food self-sufficiency and contribute more to the country’s economic growth. A complete and comprehensive reform of the agricultural sector is therefore necessary to enable the DRC to fully exploit its agricultural potential and improve the well-being of rural populations.