President Felix Tshisekedi’s recent State of the Nation address highlighted the critical importance of the agricultural sector to the development of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With measures such as financial support from the World Bank and the creation of the National Farmers Registry, the government appears to be seeking to breathe new life into a long-neglected economy.
Denise Muluka, a pioneer of the NGO EYTHAN, welcomed this initiative, highlighting the untapped potential of agriculture in the country. She highlighted the need to invest in this strategic sector to ensure national sovereignty and combat food insecurity. The observation is clear: despite its wealth of arable land, the DRC continues to import basic necessities, which hinders its economic development.
For Muluka, it is essential that the Congolese population, particularly those in the Kasai province, turn to agriculture to stimulate the local and national economy. It calls for a change in mentality, a collective awareness to fully exploit the country’s agricultural resources, and thus initiate a real economic boom.
At a time when the global health crisis highlights the importance of food self-sufficiency, the presidential speech reaffirms that agriculture is the pillar on which the future of the DRC rests. Government initiatives to support local farmers, develop agricultural insurance programs and facilitate access to necessary seeds and equipment are all encouraging measures for a long-neglected sector.
In conclusion, President Tshisekedi’s commitment to agriculture represents a unique opportunity for the DRC to strengthen its economy, guarantee its food security and promote sustainable development. It is now up to the Congolese population to seize this opportunity, invest in agriculture and contribute to building a prosperous future for the entire country.