The diversification of the Congolese economy is a key issue for President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, who is beginning his second term. Indeed, the country is heavily dependent on the mining sector, which represents a significant share of GDP and state revenue. In order to boost economic growth and reduce poverty, it is essential to put in place public policies promoting economic diversification.
One of the priorities is to invest in the agricultural sector, which employs more than 50% of the Congolese population. This involves relaunching palm oil production, promoting rubber in Ecuador and encouraging other profitable crops. This will reduce the country’s dependence on commodity exports and create employment opportunities in the agricultural sector.
However, economic diversification cannot be done without taking into account the challenges facing the country. COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine have had a negative impact on the Congolese economy, with an increase in energy and raw material prices, a slowdown in economic growth and turbulence in financial markets. These external shocks make economic diversification all the more urgent.
One of the main challenges facing the government is high inflation, which has a direct impact on the purchasing power of the Congolese. To stabilize inflation, it is essential to promote local production and reduce imports. This involves improving the business climate, the fight against corruption and good governance.
Furthermore, it is crucial to secure the national territory and improve the country’s connectivity. Economic operators, particularly in the mining sector, expect the government to take measures to guarantee the security of the country and improve road infrastructure to facilitate logistics and delivery times.
Ultimately, the diversification of the Congolese economy is a major challenge, but also an opportunity for development and poverty reduction. By investing in agriculture, stabilizing inflation, improving the business climate and strengthening security and infrastructure, the DRC can open up new economic prospects and offer a better future to its population.