National deputies recently discussed the draft 2024 budget, a subject which arouses great interest and generates debates within the Congolese political class. This project, costed at $16.6 billion, was declared admissible by parliamentarians during a parliamentary session which lasted several hours.
Prime Minister Sama Lukonde underlined in his speech the importance of this budget for the reorganization of the Congolese economy. He emphasized diversification towards the agriculture, fishing and livestock sectors, which are considered economic pillars for the country. He also noted that 12% of the budget was allocated to agriculture, a record in terms of investment in this sector.
One of the important points raised during the debates was the financing of the next elections, which will be organized with the government’s own funds. This represents a major financial challenge, but the Prime Minister expressed confidence in the country’s ability to meet this challenge.
However, some MPs have expressed reservations regarding the allocation of resources in this draft budget. They denounced the fact that more money was intended for the functioning of institutions than for basic social sectors such as road infrastructure, education and health. They pleaded in favor of a substantial allocation of resources in these sectors to improve the living conditions of the Congolese population.
Overall, the 2024 draft budget sparks lively debates and raises crucial questions for the economic and social development of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It remains to be seen how parliamentarians will continue to examine this project and whether it will be possible to find a balance between the financing of institutions and the needs of priority social sectors. The final result of the 2024 budget will directly impact the Congolese population, and it is therefore essential that the decisions taken are fair and balanced.