** Towards a modernization of the printing sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo: opportunities and challenges **
The printing fair, which recently held in Kinshasa, highlighted not only the importance of this industry in the economic context of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but also the challenges of the sector. With the call of the Minister of Industry, Louis Watum Kabamba, to embrace technological innovations, arises the question of the way in which this transition can be made in an environment often perceived as stagnant.
### A sector in search of innovation
During this event, the Minister underlined the need for transformation to more modern production methods, oriented towards artificial intelligence and technological innovations. This position seems relevant, knowing that printing is not only a sector creating jobs, but also an essential vector for the dissemination of information and culture. The Minister spoke of an industry potentially more important than that of mineral resources, an assertion that deserves to be contextualized.
Indeed, according to studies, the printing sector has experienced global fluctuations, influenced by digital evolution. Countries that have been able to adapt their production to new technologies have often benefited from significant growth. This can arouse questions about the position of the DRC in this global landscape: what are the obstacles to this adaptation and how can they be overcome?
### The expectations of actors in the sector
The numerous printing professionals present at the show expressed recurring concerns: the lack of support from the State, the absence of local production and a taxation often deemed too heavy. Sandra Nzolatima, a pioneer of the sector, mentioned these challenges, emphasizing the need for more active state support to capitalize on the potential of the printing.
The will displayed by the Minister to listen to these concerns can be interpreted as a sign of hope for industry players. However, promises of support must be followed by concrete actions. Government’s commitment to create an environment conducive to innovation and facilitate access to financing is also crucial. This raises the question of how this commitment will result in concrete and effective public policies.
### The importance of local entrepreneurship
Mathieu Tshibumbu Muboyayi, Managing Director A.I. of the National Development Agency for Congolese Entrepreneurship (ANDEC), stressed the potential role of the printing in the creation of jobs and added value. This invites you to think about the balance between support for local initiatives and the need to attract external investments.
The show also offered a platform to encourage young people and students to turn to entrepreneurship, providing them with financing mechanisms. To embrace an entrepreneurial culture is essential, but it requires efforts in terms of education and training. How can educational institutions integrate these necessary skills in their programs? What role can the government play in promoting this transition?
### Future issues and perspectives
The future of the printing in the DRC seems to be at the crossroads. In order for this industry to meet growing expectations and global competition, it is imperative to focus on a local industrialization strategy while promoting the country’s human wealth. The question of technical skills and access to information will also be decisive.
The success of this transition will be based on the ability of Congolese printers to collaborate, innovate together and to use the resources made available to them by the government and institutions. With this in mind, it would be interesting to observe in the coming months how these commitments materialize and what results can result from it.
In short, the fence of this first printing fair may well be the start of a new chapter for industry in the DRC, provided that the actors concerned can combine their efforts to overcome the challenges that arise. A mechanism for monitoring government commitments and local initiatives could also prove to be beneficial to ensure that these promises do not remain a dead letter, but give rise to a dynamic of sustainable transformation.