** A new framework for positions, telecommunications and new technologies in the DRC: Towards a modernized administration or a simple announcement effect? **
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has just crossed a significant turning point in the modernization of its public administration, with the adoption of a new organic framework for the General Post Secretariat, Telecommunications, New Information and Communication Technologies (PTIC). The reception ceremony of this framework, imprint of symbolism, is a strong signal of the will of the Congolese government to initiate concrete reforms in a sector often criticized for its lack of dynamism and efficiency.
On the one hand, this framework represents notorious progress. Indeed, it was underlined by Minister Augustin Kibassa Maliba that it had been two decades that the secretariat had not seen its organized framework. In times of political and economic instability, such a change can be assimilated to a daring act. The 12 specific missions established in this new framework aim to establish skills clearly defined for this administration, which could, in the long term, improve efficiency and quality of service.
However, how far can this framework really transform the landscape of the PT-NTICs into the DRC? The country’s political and administrative history is punctuated by promising reforms which, once announced, have often stifled in the egg, giving way to aging structures and ineffective public services. By closely examining the course of previous reforms, it is legitimate to question the real transformation levers that this new framework could bring.
** Modernization efforts inspired by foreign models **
To understand the challenges of this reform, it is necessary to be interested in examples of successful reforms in other African countries. Take the example of public administration in Rwanda, which has deeply modernized its public sector by adopting modern and flexible structures inspired by models of prosperous administrations. This model has enabled Rwanda to reposition itself as a regional leader in the field of information and communication technologies.
Likewise, Kenya’s experience, which has created the Ministry of Information Technologies, illustrates how well -structured and sufficiently flexible administration can keep the unrest of technological evolution and meet the needs of the market. In contrast, the DRC, with its internal and external challenges, requires structures which do not only shine by theory but which really apply to the field, because the practical implementation of this framework will be crucial.
** A statistical approach to assess the potential impact **
To assess the impact of the implementation of the new framework, a statistical approach could be envisaged. For example, by measuring the evolution of the internet access rate and telecommunications services before and after the implementation of the framework, decision -makers will be able to better understand the effectiveness of new structures. According to World Bank studies, an increase of 10% of the internet penetration can catalyze an increase in GDP of approximately 1.38% in sub -Saharan Africa. This highlights the importance of a well -defined framework adapted to Congolese specificities to transform the sector and, therefore, the country’s economy.
** A call for collaboration: the commitment of civil society and technical partners **
To ensure the sustainability of these reforms, an often neglected dimension is the role of technical partners and civil society. Public service experts and non -governmental organizations could play a significant role in supporting changes. Their involvement would guarantee continuous supervision and an independent assessment of the implementation of new structures, thus ensuring transparency and adhesion of the population.
While Minister Kibassa advocated an optimistic vision by speaking of “building the foundations” of a new administration, it is imperative to recall that each foundation must be stable to allow sustainable growth. In a context where the country is faced with multiple challenges, a collective awareness and a sincere political will will be crucial.
In short, the reception of this new organic framework is a major symbolic advance, but its success will depend on the concrete execution of the planned measures and the articulation between the various actors involved. It would be regrettable that it is only an announcement effect. For a real change to be made, collective mobilization, transparency and performance evaluation systems are needed. It is not only the structures that count, but also the results that result from it.