Meeting of the Board of Directors of ONAPAC: The challenges and issues of regulating Congolese agricultural products
On October 3, 2023, the second session of the meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Office of Agricultural Products of Congo (ONAPAC) was held at the Maiko Room of the Memling Hotel. Under the leadership of Me. Muke Mukengeshayi, PCA of ONAPAC, this meeting brought together the Director General, the Administrators and the Secretary General of the Board of Directors, as well as the Representative of the Minister of Agriculture.
Mr. Muke Mukengeshayi recalled the context of this meeting and the essential missions of ONAPAC. He stressed that contrary to what many think, ONAPAC does not deal with all agricultural products, but focuses on around twenty products intended for export such as coffee, cocoa, rubber, cinchona, papaya, vanilla and medicinal plants. ONAPAC plays a crucial role in supervising planters, processing, warehousing and supply chain management, from production to export.
However, ONAPAC is facing significant financial difficulties. Out of an annual budget estimated at 15 million dollars, only 3 million are mobilized, which prevents ONAPAC from functioning fully. This situation has an impact on the salaries of ONAPAC employees, who are not paid 100% of their amount.
The PCA Muke Mukengeshayi also alerted to the delaying tactics of certain economic operators, in particular those members of the Association of Cocoa and Coffee Exporters, who contest the service costs reserved for ONAPAC. They believe that the 2% rate on agricultural products is too high. The PCA stressed that such actions endanger ONAPAC, already facing financial difficulties.
Faced with this situation, the PCA Muke Mukengeshayi requested the support of the Minister of Agriculture, José Mpanda, to counter these maneuvers and ensure the sustainability of ONAPAC.
This meeting of the ONAPAC Board of Directors highlights the challenges that the Office faces in its mission of supervising Congolese agricultural products intended for export. It is crucial that solutions are found to ensure its proper functioning and support stakeholders in the Congolese agricultural sector. Collaboration between ONAPAC, planters, millers and the various actors in the supply chain is essential to ensure the development and marketing of Congo’s agricultural products.