Maniema, a province in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has just taken a decisive step in terms of economic development and road infrastructure. Indeed, a historic agreement was signed between oil companies and the provincial government, defining a conventional tax on petroleum products. This tax, set at 300 Congolese francs per liter, was welcomed by both parties and marks a turning point in the efforts to finance the opening up of the province.
For months, the governor of the province, Moussa Kabwankubi, has worked tirelessly to put in place conventional taxes aimed at generating funds for the development of Maniema. This tax on petroleum products is the latest and is part of a series of measures intended to improve local infrastructure and promote the connectivity of the province with neighboring regions.
The signing of this agreement between oil companies and the provincial government is the result of long discussions and compromises beneficial to all stakeholders. Oil companies are satisfied with this tax which, although representing an additional cost for their activities, is seen as an investment in the community and economic development of the region.
Governor Kabwankubi was keen to reassure on the transparency in the management of funds from this tax, stressing that these will be centralized and managed by the FEC (Federation of Congolese Enterprises). This transparency is essential to ensure that the funds collected will actually be used for the development of the province and the improvement of the living conditions of the local population.
Civil society actors also welcomed this initiative, seeing this tax as an essential lever to boost the local economy and promote the growth of Maniema on the national level. Developing the road network, improving infrastructure and strengthening links with neighboring provinces are all objectives that can now be pursued thanks to this conventional tax on petroleum products.
In conclusion, this agreement between oil companies and the provincial government of Maniema marks a major step forward in the economic and infrastructure development of the region. By creating an additional source of funding and promoting collaboration between local economic and political actors, this tax opens up new perspectives for the future of the province and its inhabitants.