ONAPAC Board of Directors meeting in 2023: A crucial step for the future of Congolese agriculture
On October 3, 2023, the second session of the meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Office of Agricultural Products of Congo (ONAPAC) was held. This meeting, chaired by Mr. Muke Mukengeshayi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ONAPAC, brought together the Director General, the Administrators and the Secretary General of ONAPAC, as well as the Representative of the Minister of Agriculture.
ONAPAC, as a public establishment, is responsible for promoting and supervising the production, processing, storage and transit of agricultural products intended for export. However, the PCA Me. Muke Mukengeshayi stressed that ONAPAC does not manage all agricultural products, but focuses on around twenty of them, such as coffee, cocoa, rubber, cinchona, papaya, vanilla and medicinal plants.
Despite its crucial role in the development of Congolese agriculture, ONAPAC faces many challenges. In particular, the lack of financing, which limits its ability to cover its expenses. On an annual budget of 15 million dollars, ONAPAC only manages to mobilize a fifth of this sum, or only 3 million dollars, which compromises its operation and affects employees’ salaries.
The PCA Me. Muke Mukengeshayi also warned against the delaying tactics of certain members of the Congo Business Federation (FEC), aimed at reducing the benefits of ONAPAC. He stressed the importance of the support of the Minister of Agriculture, José Mpanda, to counter these projects which jeopardize the future of ONAPAC.
This meeting of the ONAPAC Board of Directors in 2023 is of crucial importance for the future of Congolese agriculture. The challenges facing ONAPAC, such as insufficient funding and pressure from some FEC members, require urgent action from the authorities to support this vital body for the country’s agricultural development.
In conclusion, the ONAPAC Board of Directors meeting in 2023 highlights the challenges and issues facing ONAPAC in its mission to develop and promote Congolese agriculture. It is crucial to take concrete steps to ensure adequate funding and protect the interests of ONAPAC to ensure a prosperous future for Congolese agriculture and farmers.