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Title: The ONAPAC Board of Directors meeting in 2023: An overview of the challenges of the agricultural sector
Introduction :
The second session of the meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Office of Agricultural Products of Congo (ONAPAC) for the year 2023 was held in the Maiko Room of the Memling Hotel. This meeting, chaired by Mr. Muke Mukengeshayi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ONAPAC, brought together the main stakeholders of this public establishment as well as the representative of the Minister of Agriculture. During this meeting, several topics were discussed, highlighting the challenges facing ONAPAC and its key role in the development of the agricultural sector.
The essential role of ONAPAC in the agricultural sector:
ONAPAC is responsible for managing and supervising the production, processing, storage and transit of certain agricultural products intended for export. Contrary to popular belief, ONAPAC only manages around twenty specific agricultural products such as coffee, cocoa, rubber, vanilla, etc. This clarification is important because it allows us to better understand the scope and responsibilities of ONAPAC, which plays a crucial role in analyzing the quality of agricultural products and determining their prices on the international market.
Major financial challenges for ONAPAC:
Despite its crucial role, ONAPAC faces considerable financial difficulties. In fact, out of an annual budget estimated at 15 million dollars, ONAPAC only manages to mobilize a fifth of this sum, or only 3 million dollars. This situation compromises the proper functioning of the company and has a direct impact on employee salaries, which are not paid in full. It is therefore urgent to find solutions to ensure better mobilization of the financial resources necessary for the operation of ONAPAC.
The threat of reducing the benefits of ONAPAC:
During the meeting, the Chairman of the ONAPAC Board of Directors raised the issue of delaying tactics by certain members of the Congolese Business Federation (FEC), aimed at reducing the benefits granted to ONAPAC. In particular, economic operators who are members of the Association of Cocoa and Coffee Exporters believe that the service costs reserved for ONAPAC are too high. This questioning risks further compromising the financial situation of ONAPAC and weakening its key role in the agricultural sector.
Conclusion :
The ONAPAC Board of Directors meeting in 2023 highlighted the challenges facing this institution and the importance of its role in the development of the agricultural sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite the major financial challenges it faces, it is essential to support ONAPAC in order to guarantee its ability to fulfill its missions and contribute to the promotion of Congolese agriculture on the international stage. The mobilization of adequate financial resources and the resolution of the obstacles encountered by ONAPAC are essential to ensure its sustainability and maximize its positive impact on the country’s economy.