In this complex and turbulent economic period, the challenges facing banks are numerous, as underlined by Henry Wazne, vice-president of the Congolese banking association. His lucid and frank analysis highlights the structural difficulties encountered by the banking sector in financing startups and early-stage companies.
The inability of banks to grant medium and long-term loans due to the volatile nature of the deposits they have constitutes a real obstacle to economic development. Indeed, the preponderance of short-term deposits limits the financing capacities of projects in the long term, whether they are innovative startups or ambitious real estate projects. This reality pushes entrepreneurs to turn to alternative financing, often less favorable in terms of conditions and deadlines.
To overcome this gap, Henry Wazne proposes a two-pronged approach: firstly, a strengthening of collaboration between banks and the Central Bank in order to stabilize deposits and ensure better liquidity management, and secondly, a coordination with government authorities to establish a legislative framework favorable to savings and investment.
The idea of protecting savings and encouraging citizens to place their funds in banking institutions is relevant, because this would make it possible to mobilize more stable financial resources and support the development of local businesses. Indeed, by promoting a culture of investment and responsible financial management, banks could play a crucial role in boosting the Congolese economy.
Furthermore, the question of promoting Congolese businesses and local entrepreneurship is crucial. It is undeniable that the participation of national actors in strategic sectors of the economy is essential to ensure the economic sovereignty of the country. Incentive measures, tax or regulatory, could encourage local investments and promote the emergence of competitive Congolese companies on the international scene.
Ultimately, the observation drawn up by Henry Wazne highlights the need for an in-depth reform of the financial system and investment policy in Congo. Promoting savings, supporting startups and local businesses, as well as strengthening the banking sector are all challenges to be taken up to stimulate economic growth and promote sustainable and inclusive development. Economic actors and political authorities have a crucial role to play in this transformation, in order to build a prosperous future for the Democratic Republic of Congo.