Economy in the DRC: The challenges of hydrocarbon projects for the future
As the Democratic Republic of Congo looks to the future, current budgetary choices are raising concerns in the hydrocarbon sector. Indeed, the 2025 finance bill does not seem to prioritize certain key projects that could boost the development of this strategic industry. Among these pending projects are initiatives of capital importance for the sector.
The acquisition of motorized barges for the Société nationale des hydrocarbures du Congo (Sonahydroc) was planned in the plans of the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, but was not included in the 2025 budget. These barges, with a capacity of 500 m³ each, would have considerably improved the transport and storage operations of petroleum products across the country. The total cost of this infrastructure is estimated at 2.7 billion FC, or approximately 1.086 million US dollars.
Similarly, the Lake Kivu Degasification Project, an initiative to harness methane dissolved in the lake’s waters to generate electricity, was not included in the budget. This omission is all the more worrying given that this project could have offered significant opportunities for the country’s energy sector. The total cost of the project is estimated at over 10.5 billion FCFA, or approximately 4.2 million US dollars.
Furthermore, the lack of funding for the acquisition of oil and gas reserves certification equipment, as well as for the establishment of a digital library for the hydrocarbon sector, raises questions about the willingness to invest in strengthening the sector’s knowledge and capacity. These projects, worth a total of nearly 13 million US dollars, could have contributed significantly to improving the industry’s performance and competitiveness.
While some key projects have been sidelined, others have been retained, including the construction of the hydrocarbon tower and the acquisition of equipment for Sonahydroc. These budgetary choices raise questions about the development strategy of the hydrocarbon sector in the DRC and the optimization of resources allocated to these projects.
The National Assembly of the DRC has declared admissible the draft finance law for the 2025 financial year, but voices are being raised to emphasize the importance of reassessing priorities in order to guarantee sustainable and prosperous development of the hydrocarbon sector. It is essential that policymakers pay particular attention to these issues to ensure the viability and competitiveness of this industry, which is crucial to the Congolese economy.