Category: Economy

## commercial war: China, between resilience and economic opportunities

The trade war between the United States and China announces a new era of uncertainty and economic reinvention. Faced with American prices reaching 54%, Beijing is not content to undergo pressure, but reacts with a daring strategy. The official discourse, relayed by the People’s Daily, manifests a deep resilience and the will to transform the challenges into opportunities.

By investing massively in infrastructure through the “Belt and Road Initiative” and by supporting its technological sector, China appears as a world leader, while strengthening its self -sufficiency. This turning point towards a “globalization 2.0”, where trade is reorganized without the United States, raises crucial questions for the future of international trade.

In a context of growing nationalism, the dynamics between these two superpowers could redefine the standards of globalization and set new challenges to economic partners, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia. The world carefully looks at this struggle where the ability to adapt and diversify will be the key to success.

** Treasury bills indexed: a strategic maneuver to relaunch the Congolese economy **

The auction of indexed treasury bills, scheduled for April 8, 2025, marks a daring step in the economic strategy of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With an objective of mobilizing 70 billion Congolese francs, or about $ 23 million, this initiative aims to strengthen public investment in essential fields such as infrastructure, education and health. Offering an interest rate of 10% over a period of 18 months, the government hopes to attract investors despite an economic climate often deemed risky.

However, the success of this maneuver will depend on the perception of the solvency of the state and the ability to restore the confidence of investors. The DRC has the opportunity to position itself as a dynamic player on the African capital market, provided that its investment instruments are diversifying and ensuring transparency in fund management. If this initiative is well executed, it could promote inclusive and sustainable economic development, thus stimulating a more solid local financial market.

** Gold: Economic paradox under the Trump administration **

While the Trump administration imposes customs tariffs on many products, gold is curiously exempt, raising questions about real motivations behind this decision. Traditionally perceived as a reflection of stability in times of economic uncertainty, gold would allow the United States to attract investments while avoiding destabilizing an already fragile market. This choice, both strategic and potentially desperate, underlines growing global economic tensions and could influence international relations, while countries like China and Russia increase their own gold reserves.

With growing demand for precious metal, both in investors and in central banks, gold may well become the symbol of a significant reconfiguration of the markets. In the end, this exemption could mark a period of renewed economic rivalry, requiring increased vigilance on its future impact for the global economy.

** DRC: Mining and security issues, a future to build **

The Democratic Republic of Congo is at a delicate crossroads: a potential economic partnership with the United States might seem attractive, but it raises fundamental questions about sovereignty and resource management. Faced with the threat of the M23, deputy Delly Sesanga calls for in -depth reform of the army and the governance system, warning that security barter could lead to a fiasco. The experience of Nigeria, stuck in a cycle of corruption and inequality despite its oil wealth, underlines the dangers of excessive dependence on raw materials. For sustainable development, the DRC must favor local autonomy, transform its resources on site and build solid infrastructure to ensure that mining wealth really benefits its population. The challenge is immense, but the construction of an inclusive future is possible if man remains at the heart of political priorities.

** Kinshasa: to a promising electric future **

Kinshasa, the dynamic capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, begins a historic turning point in its electrical supply. The National Electricity Company (SNEL) has announced the end of load shedding in several districts thanks to the installation of more efficient intensity processors. This advance, although welcomed, underlines the persistent challenges of an aging infrastructure and the pressing needs to integrate renewable energies. In a context where almost 70 % of the population does not have access to reliable electricity, this effort could revitalize the local economy. However, for this hope to materialize, it is essential that the authorities collaborate with citizens in order to anticipate future issues and build a bright future for all.

### Lesotho: a crucial economic turning point

The Lesotho, a small, landlocked kingdom of southern Africa, is found at an economic crossroads in the face of a heavy threat to its textile industry, formerly flourishing. With the taxation by the Trump administration of a customs rate of 50 % on imports, nearly 12,000 jobs and 75 % of exports to the American market are in danger. This situation reveals an alarming dependence on the economy Basotho, subject to the whims of an unstable international market.

The consequences of such dependence are not limited to the economy, but also affect the lives of thousands of workers, plunged into the fear of early employment losses. PALESA MAKAE, a local entrepreneur, underlines the risk of a return to already endemic poverty. However, faced with these challenges, the Minister of Commerce, Mokhethi Shelile, breathes a glimmer of hope by calling for the diversification and exploration of new markets, in particular within the framework of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).

Lesotho has the opportunity to reinvent itself, inspired by other African successes such as that of Rwanda, by investing in various sectors such as sustainable agriculture and digital technologies. By adopting a vision collectively committed to the future, the kingdom could turn this challenge into a real story of sustainable economic success.

### Egyptian economy changing: a glimmer of hope?

In February 2023, the Egyptian banking system recorded a significant increase in its net foreign assets, reaching $ 10.17 billion, an increase of more than 17 % compared to the previous month. This positive dynamic, accompanied by a contraction of liabilities, could serve as a springboard towards more sustainable economic stability for Egypt. In a context of inflation and geopolitical tensions, this strengthening of the country’s external position highlights the importance of capital flows such as those generated by tourism and foreign direct investments.

For this embellish to be sustainable, it is crucial that political decision -makers will adopt proactive economic strategies, promoting the diversification of external income. While Egypt aspires to take a place of choice in the global economy, the future will depend on rigorous macroeconomic management and transparent communication with the public. Current encouraging figures are only the first step in an ambitious transformation to an economic horizon.

### Egypt in the face of an economic turning point: the support of the IMF as a transformation lever

Egypt has just received $ 1.2 billion from the IMF, aid that could not only be a lifeline in the face of rampant inflation and currency shortages, but also an opportunity to reinvent its economic model. While the country is fighting to stabilize its economy in an uncertain global context, with reforms focused on liberalization and austerity, recent financial injections must serve as a springboard for sustainable and inclusive initiatives. Inspired by examples like Bangladesh, Egypt has the chance to position itself as a leader in sustainable development and innovation. The key will reside in the transparency and effective allocation of funds to ensure that these reforms really benefit citizens, thus transforming challenges into real growth opportunities.

### A digital momentum in Brazzaville: young entrepreneurs in action

The 9th Osiane 2025 International Show, which will take place in Brazzaville from May 13 to 16, presents itself as a launch scene for innovation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Through the “Challenge Startups of the Congo Basin”, the Agency for Digital Development (DNA) and the Special Fund for Promotion, Entrepreneurship and Youth Employment (FSPEEJ) aim to catalyze a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, by offering opportunities for financing and visibility to young business creators. This initiative is part of an expanding entrepreneurial landscape, where the DRC saw the birth of more than 5,500 startups in 2023, despite the disparities in terms of access to technologies.

With awards reaching 15,000 USD and a participation in the Vivatech fair in Paris, this approach seeks to break with the high unemployment rate among young people, while promoting digital inclusion. The “DRC-Day” day will illustrate the country’s commitment to digital development, combining discussions, sharing of experiences and promotion of local knowledge.

This challenge is not limited to a simple competition, it could well be the springboard towards an economic transformation, allowing young Congolese entrepreneurs to reclaim their future and integrate the global digital landscape. An invitation to act, innovate and build a future that resembles them.

### Kalemie: a port, promises

The modernization of the port of Kalemie, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, opens an unprecedented window of opportunity for the province of Tanganyika. With an investment of more than $ 70 million, this ambitious project aims to transform this essential infrastructure into a real engine of economic growth. Not only does it promise to increase transit capacity to more than 2 million tonnes of goods, but it could also relaunch key sectors such as agriculture, mining and tourism.

However, the success of this initiative will depend on its ability to integrate into a broader regional development. Connected roads and railways are essential to ensure that economic benefits are reaching their destinations. At the same time, it is crucial to consider the social and environmental impacts of this modernization. Implicating local communities and adopting sustainable practices will be essential to avoid pitfalls of poorly planned infrastructure projects.

With current economic instability, in particular the customs duties imposed by the United States, the DRC must navigate skillfully to maximize the benefits of this modernization. The road to development is complex, but if all stakeholders collaborate, the port of Kalemie could become a key player in the economic renaissance of the region, bringing prosperity and opportunities to the inhabitants of Tanganyika.