At a time when all eyes are on the Democratic Republic of Congo, the announcement of the appointment of Judith Suminwa Tuluka as Head of Government raises many questions. This decision comes in a complex and constantly evolving economic context.
Economic growth forecasts for the DRC give rise to both optimism and concern. According to the International Monetary Fund, the country shows growth of 6%, positioning itself as one of the leaders in sub-Saharan Africa for the year 2023. In addition, the United Nations Economic Commission ranks the DRC among the ten African economies showing the strongest growth in 2024. Despite these encouraging prospects, major challenges persist.
One of the main challenges to be met is that linked to inflation, maintained at a high level of around 20%. This situation leads to an increase in the prices of goods and services, directly impacting the purchasing power of the Congolese. The depreciation of the Congolese franc against the American dollar further aggravates this problem, with 1 USD currently equivalent to 2,800 Congolese francs in Kinshasa.
This delicate economic situation calls upon the authorities to take measures to reverse this trend and improve the living conditions of citizens. The revival of the industrial fabric is a key issue for the economic development of the country. This recovery also requires investments in infrastructure, particularly in improving roads to facilitate the transport of goods and promote the development of the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, cleaning up the business climate and reducing excessive taxes are demands formulated by the Congo Business Federation to promote sustainable economic growth and stimulate the activity of local economic operators.
In short, the appointment of Judith Suminwa Tuluka comes at a crucial moment for the Congolese economy. The challenges are numerous, but with informed measures and a strategic vision, it is possible to overcome these obstacles and pave the way for sustainable and inclusive economic development for all inhabitants of the DRC.