Fatshimetrie was recently the scene of a promotional and exchange day organized by the provincial management of Tanganyika and Haut-Lomami of the Industrial Promotion Fund (FPI). This unprecedented event was held on November 14, 2024 at the Victoria Hotel in Kalemie, in the presence of many authorities. The objective of this day was clear: to popularize the missions of the FPI, as well as its financing policy, among local economic operators.
This initiative responded to a crucial need for information concerning the role of the FPI in supporting local industry. Indeed, in a context where the industrial promotion tax remains largely unknown to both economic operators and citizens, the provincial director of the FPI, Désiré Banza Kilumba, spoke to explain the nature and importance of this tax, the eligibility criteria for FPI financing, as well as the terms and conditions for granting loans and subsidies to applicants.
The highlight of the day was the presentation of projects already financed by the FPI, accompanied by the moving testimony of a beneficiary. This concrete demonstration of the positive impact of the FPI’s actions aroused great interest among the participants, and even paved the way for promising discussions with a view to future partnerships. The FPI thus confirmed its commitment to supporting the Congolese State in the development and creation of processing units.
However, confusion persists among some economic operators regarding the Industry Promotion Tax (TPI). Many continue to believe that simply paying this tax guarantees them direct access to FPI financing, which is a misconception. In reality, paying the TPI does not constitute an absolute guarantee of obtaining financing, because the granting of credits by the FPI is subject to rigorous procedures and specific conditions.
Thus, in front of an audience of 250 participants, the provincial director took the time to explain in detail the nature of the industry promotion tax. Beyond this aspect, the provincial management also insisted on the financing opportunities offered by the FPI to economic operators meeting the required criteria.
During this day, two panels were formed, allowing to address in depth the missions, objectives, scope of action and resources of the FPI, as well as the general financing policy and its eligibility criteria. Details were provided concerning the specific conditions of access to financing for projects carried out by young people and women entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of diversity in the projects supported.
In conclusion, the work of the FPI has a transversal dimension and positively impacts various sectors of the economy, as evidenced by the recent financing by this public institution of the project to erect the second turbine of the Bendera power plant, thus ensuring the electricity supply of the city of Kalemie. This promotional and exchange day illustrated the importance of communication and transparency in supporting local economic operators, thus strengthening the links between the FPI and the industrial fabric of the region.