Public enterprises in the Democratic Republic of Congo are facing a deep crisis, leading to performance and management difficulties. This worrying situation was highlighted by the Minister of Portfolio, Jean Lucien Bussa, during the opening of the work of the general assembly of the State portfolio in Kinshasa.
Mismanagement, internal rivalries and lack of rigor are among the factors contributing to the poor performance of these companies. It is urgent to address various challenges to reverse this trend and achieve effective management.
To promote the revival of public enterprises in the DRC, it is essential to strengthen control mechanisms such as internal auditing. It is also essential to clarify the roles and responsibilities of boards of directors, general managers and their deputies. According to Minister Bussa, some public officials do not respect governance standards, which contributes to aggravating the crisis.
It is crucial to put in place transparent and effective governance practices to bring these companies on the path to performance. Boards of directors must act as strategic bodies and not interfere in day-to-day operational management. Similarly, general managers must be able to implement the decisions of the boards of directors and demonstrate collaboration in the event of an audit.
The Estates General of the State Portfolio is intended to be a platform for reflection to transform this sector into an engine of economic growth and social development in the DRC. The discussions bring together members of the government, public officials, experts, students and representatives of civil society around the crucial question of the future of the country’s public enterprises.
It is imperative to take concrete actions to redress the situation of public enterprises and ensure their efficiency and sustainability. Transparency, accountability and rigorous management are essential pillars to overcome current challenges and guide these companies towards success and growth.