Title: The ONAPAC Board of Directors meeting: Issues and challenges for Congolese agriculture
Introduction :
The meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Office of Agricultural Products of Congo (ONAPAC) recently took place in Kinshasa. Under the leadership of Mr. Muke Mukengeshayi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, this session was an opportunity to discuss the current challenges facing ONAPAC as well as the important missions entrusted to it. This article aims to take stock of the issues at stake at this meeting and the essential role of ONAPAC in the development of Congolese agriculture.
The role of ONAPAC:
ONAPAC is the organization responsible for the supervision and management of agricultural products intended for export to Congo. Contrary to what many think, it does not cover all agricultural products, but focuses on around twenty key products such as coffee, cocoa, rubber, cinchona, papaya, vanilla, pyrethrum and medicinal plants. Its main role is to provide supervision to farmers, supervise the processing, storage and transit stages, and establish quality standards to set prices on the international market.
The challenges of ONAPAC:
Despite its capital importance for the Congolese agricultural sector, ONAPAC faces many challenges, particularly on the financial level. ONAPAC’s annual budget is estimated at 15 million dollars, but its revenues only amount to 3 million dollars, or only 20% of the sum necessary to cover its expenses. This situation limits ONAPAC’s ability to fully fulfill its missions and has an impact on the salaries of employees who are not paid 100%.
Antagonisms with the FEC and the risks for ONAPAC:
During the meeting, Mr. Muke Mukengeshayi also highlighted the differences between ONAPAC and certain members of the Fédération des Entreprises du Congo (FEC). These economic operators contest the 2% service fees imposed by ONAPAC on agricultural products, deeming them too high. This questioning of the advantages of ONAPAC could harm the organization and hinder its proper functioning, even though it is already struggling to effectively mobilize its annual budget. It is therefore crucial that the Minister of Agriculture, José Mpanda, supports ONAPAC to counter these maneuvers which have the consequences of further weakening the organization.
Conclusion :
The ONAPAC Board of Directors meeting highlighted the crucial issues facing Congolese agriculture. ONAPAC plays a vital role in the supervision and promotion of agricultural products intended for export, but must face financial challenges and tensions with certain economic players.. It is essential that measures are taken to support ONAPAC in its mission and ensure the development of prosperous and sustainable Congolese agriculture.