The recent event taking place at the University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN) gave rise to an important conference on the issue of economic development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Under the inspiring theme of “The problem of economic development in the DRC: Land of hope”, this meeting brought together renowned personalities, experts and key politicians to debate the crucial issues that hinder the country’s economic progress.
At the center of this conference, the keynote speaker, Vital Kamerhe, delivered a lucid analysis of the current economic situation in the DRC, highlighting the structural flaws that have hampered the country’s development since its independence in 1960. He underlined the lack of economic preparation following the departure of the Belgian colonizers, an often neglected aspect of Congolese history. Kamerhe stressed that the lack of adequate transition has led to economic disorganization, favoring the migration of rural populations to urban centers and thus affecting national production.
Professor Matata Ponyo’s enlightening intervention highlighted the role of international institutions in the economic development of the DRC. Expressing reservations about over-reliance on agencies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ponyo argued for strengthening local institutions and national leadership to spur economic growth. Stressing that the country suffers from an institutional deficit, he called for greater autonomy in economic decisions.
A highlight of the conference was Vital Kamerhe’s proposal to introduce a spiritual dimension into the country’s economic development efforts. By advocating for a holistic approach integrating human and spiritual values into economic policies, Kamerhe raised a crucial point often overlooked in development discussions.
In conclusion, the conference on the problem of economic development in the DRC at UNIKIN made it possible to highlight the challenges facing the country, while proposing innovative avenues of reflection to overcome these obstacles. It is now imperative for political, economic and social actors to work together in a spirit of collaboration in order to build a more prosperous and balanced future for the Congolese people.