** A historical agreement for tourism in the Democratic Republic of Congo: towards what challenges? **
Kinshasa, May 22, 2025. The recent signature of an agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and EquityBCDC, which aims to promote the tourism sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), raises questions and perspectives. While the DRC is often described as a country rich in natural and cultural resources, this partnership announces a clear desire to transform tourism into an engine of economic growth, employment, and cultural influence.
### Economic and tourist context
Historically, the Congolese tourism sector has not experienced the desired development, largely due to a lack of infrastructure, persistent political instability, and an image often degraded internationally. However, with diversified natural landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, the potential is undeniable. In parallel, the country has seen an interest in sustainable and inclusive development initiatives, which could finally make it possible to capitalize on this wealth.
### A strategic partnership
During the signature ceremony, Didier M’Pambia Musanga, Minister of Tourism, expressed his vision of making tourism a pillar of national development. It is underlined that this initiative is not simply limited to the promotion of destinations, but also aims to structure and banish tourist operators in the country. This raises essential questions about how local actors will be integrated into this process and on the specific measures that will be implemented to ensure that the benefits of this development are equitably distributed.
For his part, Willy Mulamba, managing director of EquityBCDC, has focused on the commitment of his bank to promote an inclusive approach, particularly in favor of young people and women, who are often underrepresented in the sector. This opens up an ambitious but essential perspective: that of financial education and training, essential to strengthen the economic autonomy of these groups.
### Issues and perspectives
Although the partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and EquityBCDC seems promising, several issues are to be considered. First of all, the long -term viability of this sector will depend on the government’s ability to guarantee an environment favorable to investments, while practicing transparent governance. The involvement of local communities in decision -making and the profits of tourism development is also crucial to avoid conflicts of interest and ensuring that initiatives really meet the needs of populations.
Then, the component of the digitalization of tourism services also deserves special attention. While the Pandemic of COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of digitalization in many sectors, it will be necessary to ensure that technological investments are accompanied by an appropriate training for tourism players, in order to avoid a digital gap which could worsen inequalities.
### Conclusion
This agreement signed in Kinshasa represents a significant step in the efforts of the DRC to capitalize on its tourist potential. It remains to be observed how the commitments made will result in the reality on the ground. The success of this partnership will be based on the ability to create real, inclusive and sustainable opportunities for all the actors concerned. In this sense, the development of tourism in the DRC may well become a model of economic growth through an approach respectful of local realities and cultural values, thus contributing to the image of the country on the international scene.
This debate around tourism, often perceived as a secondary sector, could open a path to a broader reflection on the integrated development of the DRC, connecting economic growth, preservation of cultures and respect for the rights of populations.