The Makutano Forum, a key event on the international scene, was held from November 13 to 15 in Kinshasa, for its tenth edition under the inspiring theme “A New Deal – A new pact for the Democratic Republic of Congo and a strong and prosperous Africa.” This event was marked by significant commitments and strategic agreements aimed at stimulating economic development and inclusive growth in the DRC and on the African continent.
The opening ceremony was marked by the intervention of the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, H.E. Mr. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, who stressed the crucial importance of this new pact for the future of the country and Africa as a whole. Bringing together more than a thousand regional and international leaders, the Makutano Forum has established itself as a strategic platform to catalyze concrete actions for sustainable development and equitable growth across the continent.
High-level partnerships were sealed at the event. IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, renewed its support for the development of the DRC by investing $20 million in SMEs in the country. This collaboration between the public and private sectors aims to foster an environment conducive to innovation, promote sustainable and inclusive development, and create quality jobs. For its part, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons announced a new call for tenders in the oil sector, accompanied by an attractive tax regime to attract investors.
The Makutano Forum was also the scene of many other strategic initiatives. The United Nations Development Programme launched an urgent appeal to African governments to accelerate actions for sustainable development, stressing the importance of local development of natural resources, improving governance, and promoting intra-African trade.
By bringing together leading political, economic and cultural figures, the Makutano Forum embodied a space for exchanges and reflections essential for the emergence of an independent and prosperous Africa. These strategic partnerships and strong commitments draw a promising horizon for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the entire continent, highlighting Africa’s capacity to transform itself by its own means and build a bright future.