At the heart of the economic and social challenges of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a revealing interim report is emerging, published by civil society under the leadership of the Economic Governance and Democracy Network (Reged) in collaboration with the Public Expenditure Observation (ODEP). This document, the result of hard and meticulous work, highlights the gaps and challenges facing the 2025 Finance Bill (PLF).
One of the main criticisms raised by civil society concerns the allocation of funds for three key sectors: health, education and agriculture. Indeed, the observation is clear: these vital areas for the country’s development are being allocated resources deemed insufficient and unsuitable for their respective needs.
The health sector is showing a worrying decline, with a planned budget of 5,923.3 billion CDF, representing 13.05% of the general budget. This 0.06% decrease compared to the previous year is a source of concern, while public health needs are constantly evolving.
Similarly, education is experiencing a continuous drop in funding, representing only 17.72% of the total budget. This downward trend, from 21% in 2020 to 17.72% in 2025, raises questions about the ability of the Congolese education system to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Furthermore, the agricultural sector is also under fire, particularly with regard to the rehabilitation of agricultural access roads. The observation is clear: the funds allocated for this vital project are well below the expectations and real needs of the sector. This situation calls into question the country’s ability to stimulate its agricultural production and guarantee food security for its inhabitants.
Faced with these alarming findings, civil society is calling for an urgent review of budgetary priorities, in order to comply with the international standards recommended for each sector. Indeed, increasing the health budget to 15%, allocating 20% of the budget to education and investing more in agriculture are imperatives to ensure sustainable and balanced development of the country.
Beyond the criticisms, proposals are emerging to guide decision-makers towards more informed and responsible choices. The construction of mini-hydroelectric dams, the certification of oil reserves and investment in hydraulic and energy infrastructure are all avenues to explore to ensure harmonious and sustainable development.
In conclusion, the interim report of the Reged highlights the challenges and issues facing the Democratic Republic of Congo in terms of financial governance. A careful reading of this document underlines the urgency of directing budgetary choices towards more transparent, participatory and efficient management, to guarantee a prosperous and stable future for the entire Congolese population.
Thus, it is now up to the country’s political, economic and social actors to take the necessary measures to meet the legitimate expectations of civil society and set the country on the path to sustainable and balanced development for all.