### Awareness of the importance of paying taxes at the national educational university: a step towards enlightened citizenship
On May 29, 2025, the National Educational University (UPN) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) welcomed a marking conference on taxation, organized by the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI) in collaboration with the Dynamic Congo-Congo Group. This event highlighted a crucial aspect of the country’s economic and social development: the importance of paying taxes, not only as civic duty, but also as the basis of the autonomy and prosperity of the nation.
### The importance of early awareness
Barnabé Muakadi, the director general of the DGI, highlighted the idea that taxation should be taught from an early age. This proposal raises interesting questions about the way in which fundamental economic concepts are integrated into the education system. At a time when young people are often perceived as far from the economic issues of their country, instill in primary or even kindergarten the importance of tax payment could contribute to forming a more aware generation of its role in society. Children, by learning that any financial contribution can result in public services such as education and health, could develop a feeling of belonging and responsibility towards their country.
### The Vital Tax Role
During the conference, Muakadi recalled that tax revenues are essential to finance vital sectors such as education, health, infrastructure and security. This approach highlights the idea that tax is not only an obligation, but an investment in the future of the nation. The figures mentioned by the director show an upward trend of tax revenue mobilized by the DGI, which could be perceived as a positive sign of the State’s commitment to strengthen its financial capacities.
This growth in tax revenue, from $ 1.9 billion in 2020 to 6 billion in 2024, however questions the way in which these funds are used. What is the link between this increase and the palpable improvement in public services? Transparency and responsibility become essential expectations of citizens towards their leaders.
### Structural challenges to be overcome
Muakadi has also underlined several structural challenges that the State must take up, in particular the digitalization of the tax system and the establishment of telepament procedures. This digitalization is a crucial issue for transparency and efficiency, promoting better management of financial flows. However, the transition to a digital system raises the question of the infrastructure necessary to support this change, especially in a country where access to Internet and digital technologies remains unequal.
The implementation of integrated management software could actually limit human intervention in the tax chain, but it would be appropriate to wonder if each player in the company is well prepared for this development. The training of DGI agents and users is essential to guarantee effective and inclusive deployment.
### A support project for civic awareness
Stanis Meinj, president of Dynamique Congo-Consocience, spoke of the support project aimed at strengthening awareness of tax citizenship. This initiative deserves to be deepened in various educational and community spaces, in order to ensure that messages on the importance of paying taxes reach a large audience. By promoting an open and enriching discussion on tax issues, this project could constitute a real springboard for increased civic conscience and a better understanding of tax issues.
### Reflections and perspectives
The conference at the UPN, while addressing tax challenges, resonates as a call for collective action. It highlights the need for continuous dialogue between citizens, the state and educational institutions. In this context, how could the various stakeholders collaborate to make taxation not only understood, but also valued as an essential contribution to the development of the nation?
It seems crucial to involve young people in this dynamic, by sensitizing them to tax issues from their training. Considering taxes not as a burden, but as a lever for progress, the DRC could advance towards a more united and dynamic society, where each citizen would feel actor of their collective destiny.
Awareness and tax education are fundamental elements which, if treated with seriousness and commitment, could lastingly transform the perception that the Congolese have of their role in the development of their country.