The ONAPAC Board of Directors meeting in 2023 was held in a solemn atmosphere at the Memling Hotel. Under the direction of Mr. Muke Mukengeshayi, PCA of ONAPAC, this event brought together the Director General, the Administrators and the Secretary General of the Board of Directors of ONAPAC, as well as the Representative of the Minister of Agriculture.
During this meeting, Mr. Muke Mukengeshayi underlined the particular context in which ONAPAC finds itself, faced with numerous challenges. He also clarified the missions of ONAPAC, specifying that this organization only deals with around twenty agricultural products intended for export.
Mr. Muke Mukengeshayi underlined the importance of ONAPAC’s role in supervising producers, monitoring the transformation and storage process, as well as in managing the export chain. He also highlighted the role of ONAPAC in analyzing the quality of agricultural products, thus determining their price on the international market.
However, despite the important responsibilities entrusted to it, the PCA spoke of the difficulties that ONAPAC faces, particularly in terms of mobilizing funds. He revealed that of the 15 million dollars retained from ONAPAC’s annual budget, only 3 million could be mobilized. This situation has an impact on the proper functioning of the organization and leads to delays in the payment of employees’ salaries.
The PCA also warned against the delaying tactics of certain economic operators, members of the FEC, who call into question the advantages granted to ONAPAC. He requested the support of the Minister of Agriculture to counter these attempts, which could have disastrous consequences for ONAPAC.
In short, the ONAPAC Board of Directors meeting in 2023 highlighted the challenges facing this organization responsible for managing agricultural products intended for export. Despite financial difficulties, ONAPAC continues to play a crucial role in supporting producers and promoting Congolese agricultural products on the international market. It is essential that measures are taken to financially support ONAPAC and guarantee its proper functioning.