### Reflections on public-private governance and partnership: the case of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Political news in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is in fullness, while consultations for the formation of a government of national unity are continuing in Kinshasa. In this context, several political leaders, including Fabrice Isapembe Lonkeke, have expressed themselves on the essential reforms for more effective governance. Among the flagship proposals, the creation of a ministry specifically dedicated to the management of public-private partnerships (PPP) emerged, marking a desire to modernize the government approach to the economic and structural challenges of the country.
#### A new paradigm: the potential for public-private partnership
The growing importance of PPPs on a global scale offers a unique opportunity for developing states, such as the DRC, to mobilize private financial resources for infrastructure, health and education projects. A World Bank report has revealed that PPP investments can reduce the cost of public projects by 30 % while improving their efficiency. The establishment of a ministry responsible for this entity could, in theory, allow better coordination of initiatives, thus facilitating the attraction of foreign investments in key sectors, such as energy and transport.
In the DRC, political instability and governance problems have often led investors to turn away from the country. The creation of a dedicated ministry could represent a strong signal that the government is ready to enter into a phase of transparency and responsibility, essential elements to arouse the confidence of investors.
#### An innovative approach to the public service
Isapembe also proposes to reorganize the Ministry of the Interior, by dividing it into two distinct entities: one devoted to the supervision of governors, the other to the management of security affairs. This proposal deserves to be examined in the light of the challenges encountered by the DRC in matters of local governance. Indeed, improving the link between the central government and local administrative entities could allow more effective dissemination of public policies, while empowering local officials more.
This tendency to decentralization and more focused management is observed in several sub -Saharan African countries. For example, Rwanda has succeeded in improving its human development indicators thanks to well -articulated local policies and greater autonomy from local authorities. The DRC could be inspired by it, because a similar approach could strengthen the resilience of communities in the face of crises, whether economic or security.
### More peace and security
Political actors, such as Roland Lumumba and Jean-Pierre Tshibangu, emphasize the urgent need to promote peace and security, sine qua non-no economic development. The DRC faces internal and external threats that hinder its way to stability. The “economic war” that Lumumba underlines is a palpable reality, with high poverty rates despite abundant natural resources.
The consequences of this economic war are revealing: according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), around 70 % of the population lives below the poverty line. Integrating competent experts into the future government is crucial, but it is just as vital to guarantee that these experts have the authority and resources necessary to implement significant changes. This competence is often surrounded by a lack of institutional support and a clear vision.
#### Conclusion: Towards a new balance?
While the DRC is heading for an addened government of national unity, there are many challenges to be met. The proposal to establish a ministry dedicated to PPPs and to redefine the perimeter of the Ministry of the Interior can be perceived as an opportunity to rework the Congolese governance model. It is imperative to have a strategic vision which transcends the simple management of crises and embraces long -term sustainable development.
The future of the DRC lies in its ability to engage in daring reforms that generate confidence between the State and its citizens, but also between the government and its international partners. The mobilization of internal and external resources, through structured PPPs, could well constitute one of the keys to success. Thus, the DRC has the opportunity to write a new page in its history where governance, peace and economic innovation are walking hand in hand.