Ministerial tour in the Democratic Republic of Congo on culture and heritage: a breath of fresh air for the artistic sector
The Democratic Republic of Congo has recently been the scene of an ambitious initiative that brings hope to the cultural and artistic sector of her country. Indeed, the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Yolande Elebe Ma Ndembo, undertook a strategic tour of five key institutions under her supervision. This initiative, part of a vast program aimed at energizing and revitalizing the Congolese cultural sector, has aroused keen interest and enthusiasm among the country’s cultural and artistic stakeholders.
Accompanied by her colleagues, the Minister visited the Congolese National Theater Company (CTNC), the Social Assistance Fund for Congolese Artists and Writers (FASAEC), the Language Observatory (OBLA), the National Consultative Committee (CCN), and the Cultural Promotion Fund (FPC). The purpose of these visits was multiple: to assess the challenges and needs of cultural institutions, encourage local actors and involve the various stakeholders in a collaborative and positive dynamic.
The heads of the institutions visited did not fail to express their satisfaction and gratitude to the Minister for this visionary approach. Makokila André, Director General of OBLA, hailed this initiative as a “great comfort, a message of hope for the Congolese cultural sector”.
In a speech marked by determination and will, Yolande Elebe Ma Ndembo stressed the importance of strengthening the synergy between the various cultural entities to optimize resources and strategies. Convinced of the resilience and potential of Congolese cultural structures, the Minister presented an ambitious action plan focused on the development of cultural infrastructure and the diversification of the national economy.
By placing culture and heritage at the heart of the country’s development strategy, the Minister affirmed that this commitment was essential to realize the Head of State’s vision on economic diversification. She stressed that culture and the arts play a vital role in job creation and investment, and that it is imperative to give them a prominent place in national development policies.
In conclusion, the ministerial tour in the Democratic Republic of Congo on culture and heritage is a decisive step towards better integration of the arts in the socio-economic development of the country. The willingness displayed by Minister Yolande Elebe Ma Ndembo to engage in an open and constructive dialogue with cultural stakeholders to promote the artistic and heritage wealth of the DRC suggests promising prospects for the future of the Congolese cultural sector.