The Amani Festival in Goma, a true cultural showcase for the city, is not only a major artistic event, it also has a crucial economic dimension. While substantial funds had been mobilized for the organization of this event, the sudden decision of the urban authorities to cancel the event had a devastating impact on the local economy.
Indeed, the budget allocated to the festival amounted to more than $350,000, largely coming from sponsors, businesses, microfinance institutions, embassies and volunteers. These funds were intended to cover organizational costs, support local and international artists, and boost the local economy through the direct and indirect economic benefits generated by the event.
The cancellation of the festival not only resulted in financial losses for the organizers, but also had a negative impact on local traders, restaurateurs, hoteliers and service providers who were counting on this event to boost their business and increase their visibility. Many economic prospects and development opportunities have thus gone up in smoke, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of local stakeholders.
Furthermore, in a context marked by negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the International Monetary Fund for a new financial agreement, the cancellation of the Amani festival raises questions about the authorities’ ability to support and promote the country’s economic dynamism. As the DRC seeks to diversify its economy and strengthen its growth, such abrupt decisions risk compromising investor confidence and slowing down the country’s economic development.
It is therefore imperative that local and national authorities become aware of the importance of supporting cultural and artistic initiatives that contribute not only to the country’s cultural wealth, but also to its economic and social development. The Amani Festival in Goma, a symbol of Congolese creativity and cultural diversity, deserves to be supported and promoted for the many benefits it brings to the local community and the country as a whole.