Fatshimétrie
The issue of the distribution of frozen food products in the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently the subject of heated debate in the country’s economic sphere. Indeed, the Congolese authorities recently called on distributors of these products to establish a framework for consultation aimed at ensuring a fair mechanism for the intervention of economic operators, while respecting common interests and the rights of local entrepreneurs.
This initiative by the Ministry of National Economy comes at a time when stakeholders in the frozen food distribution chain, particularly importers and cold room operators, are being singled out for practices deemed detrimental to the local economy. Indeed, direct retail sales by cold rooms, which take advantage of their dominant position to impose unfair prices, are considered a violation of the law on freedom of prices and competition.
During a field visit by Albert Kasongo, Chief of Staff of the Minister of National Economy, it was noted that some importers set up their cold rooms near smaller local structures, charging retail prices that disrupt the market and endanger local businesses. This situation led the authorities to take precautionary measures to counter these unfair competition practices in the frozen food distribution chain.
In an effort to guarantee freedom of enterprise while protecting local entrepreneurs, the Ministry of National Economy reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a balance between economic actors in order to promote the emergence of a strong and prosperous Congolese middle class, in accordance with the vision of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.
This approach therefore aims to establish a fair and equitable economic environment, favorable to the development of local businesses and consumer access to frozen food products. By encouraging consultation between the different players in the distribution chain, the authorities hope to guarantee a wider distribution of frozen products while preserving the interests of local entrepreneurs and promoting a more balanced and prosperous economy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.