** Kinshasa, reception land for the African continental free trade area: issues and perspectives **
On April 15, 2025, at the opening of a council of ministers dedicated to trade, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, proposed Kinshasa as a site for the establishment of new institutions in the African continental free trade area (ZLECAF). This call, imbued with determination and hope, reflects not only the ambition of the DRC to assert itself as a key actor in African economic development, but also raises several questions regarding the implications, challenges and prospects of such a project.
** A promising framework for economic integration **
The ZLECAF, initiated in 2021, aims to create a large common market by uniting 54 African countries, thus facilitating the free movement of goods, services, people and capital. This initiative is part of the African Union 2063 agenda, a vision that promotes unity, shared prosperity and sustainable development.
In this context, Kinshasa’s proposal as a host land is of strategic importance. The city, as the political and economic capital of the DRC, could play a central role in strengthening regional and continental synergies. Félix Tshisekedi stressed that cooperation between African nations is essential to transform the assets of the continent into inclusive development levers, saying that “the future cannot be built in isolation”.
** The challenges to be overcome **
However, this ambition must be tempered by the recognition of the significant challenges which stand on the path of this economic integration. The DRC, despite its vast and diversified natural riches, faces considerable obstacles, especially in terms of infrastructure, governance and business climate.
Effective economic integration also requires harmonization of economic policies and regulations between the Member States. This supposes a strong collective commitment, but also an adequate awareness of local economic actors. How can the DRC, and in particular Kinshasa, mobilize its citizens, its private sector and its institutions to appropriate the opportunities offered by the Zlecaf?
** Concretize the vision by tangible actions **
President Tshisekedi insisted on the need to mobilize the private sector and Congolese citizens, so that the ZLECAF benefits all strata of the population: entrepreneurs, farmers, craftsmen and young innovators. In this regard, adapted education and vocational training programs would be essential to prepare young people for the requirements of the impetuous labor market.
The implementation of adequate infrastructure is also essential to support the development of a real integrated market. This includes not only physical infrastructure, such as roads and ports, but also digital infrastructure to facilitate commercial transactions. Is the Democratic Republic of Congo ready to invest in such projects, both financial and logistics?
** A call to continental unity and solidarity **
The holding of this meeting in Kinshasa symbolizes a crucial step, but it must also arouse reflection on the need to unite the forces of all African countries to make Zlecaf a success. In a regional context often marked by political tensions and economic rivalries, the ability of nations to work together will be decisive.
This dynamic of consultation and solidarity must go beyond official speeches. How can African countries establish operational and effective cooperation mechanisms, guaranteeing the equity and sustainability of ZLECAF for all?
**Conclusion**
Félix Tshisekedi’s proposal to make Kinshasa a crossroads for continental economic integration. It opens the way to essential debates on the future of the African continent and highlights the importance of a collective approach to the challenges that arise.
In the end, the success of the ZLECAF will depend not only on the political will, but also on the capacity of the States to engage their populations in the construction of a common, promising and inclusive future. Upcoming initiatives will have to be followed by concrete, measurable and beneficial actions for all African citizens, because this is the essence of shared unity and prosperity defeated by the Congolese head of state.