Category: Economy

Angola ended the gasoline subsidy in 2022, in an attempt to revive its economy which had been impacted by the fall in oil prices in 2014-2015. Although this decision arouses mixed reactions, it will save 3.8 billion dollars to finance social policies such as housing and social security. However, farmers, fishermen and taxi drivers could be the most affected by the price hike. This decision also puts an end to a debonair and previous practice which had led to Angola being the fourth country in the world where gasoline was the cheapest. Several neighboring countries welcome this decision, which will limit fraud and non-taxable competitive products.

The Angolan government has decided to stop the gasoline subsidy from June 5, 2023 to reduce state spending and finance social policies. The price of gasoline has therefore increased and the funds saved will make it possible to strengthen social security and housing policy. The end of the subsidy has reduced the sale of fuel for smugglers, but is good news for neighboring countries, like the DRC, which are hoping for more tax revenue. This trend of stopping subsidies is gaining more and more African oil producing countries, such as Nigeria. Alongside economic policies, the situation in the region remains fragile due to insecurity and gender inequalities in the Congolese media. It is important that governments continue to work for inclusive and sustainable policies that will benefit every citizen.

Tunisia is going through a bread crisis, with bakeries on strike and consumers seeking subsidized baguettes. Some bakeries are accused of charging high prices and not offering the subsidized baguette. Consumers find it difficult to find subsidized bread and lose confidence in its quality and availability. The government took steps to control the production of the subsidized bread and suspended production in some “modern” bakeries in protest. This crisis is also affecting classified bakeries and the supply of flour, with increased demand and financial difficulties in paying suppliers. The resolution of this crisis represents a major challenge to ensure the accessibility of subsidized bread to all Tunisians.

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Office (ONPA) in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a new key player in reviving the fisheries sector. With the mission of increasing fisheries and aquaculture production, ONPA will also work to promote the associated value chain, set up fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure and organize the marketing of products. This initiative is part of the Congolese government’s broader efforts to diversify the country’s economy. With a motivated and determined team, supported by the government, ONPA has the potential to contribute to the sustainable development of the DRC.

The establishment of a supplementary pension scheme by capitalization in the civil service aims to enhance the pensions of civil servants. This scheme will allow staff to build up savings throughout their career, thereby increasing their retirement pension. Transparent and efficient management will be ensured, with a permanent dialogue with the unions. Systems will be put in place to allow agents to monitor their savings and simulate the amount of their future pension. This measure will be extended to all categories of agents covered by the CNSSAP, including governors and provincial deputies. A commission will also be set up to address concerns related to exchange rate fluctuations.

This article discusses the bread crisis in Tunisia and explores the various solutions envisaged to ensure supply. Among these solutions, we find the strengthening of controls in unclassified bakeries, the increase in the production of classified bakeries, the diversification of wheat supply sources and investment in national wheat production. These measures would ensure the availability of subsidized bread for all Tunisians, but will require effective government coordination and management.

The Matadi-Kinshasa railway line in the DRC needs urgent rehabilitation and modernization. President Tshisekedi stressed the need for a public-private partnership to finance this colossal project. COPIREP was tasked with taking over the file and quickly arriving at a partnership project. The rehabilitation of this railway line is crucial for the economic development of the country, facilitating the transport of goods and reducing costs. However, this will require considerable investment, careful planning and collaboration between the Congolese government, private partners and international institutions. If successful, this venture will contribute to the economic development and regional integration of the DRC.

The Congolese government has strengthened the modernization and transformation of the management of public establishments by providing the National Bureau of Studies and Industrial Planning (BENEPI) with an organic framework and a job reference system, in order to control the number of employees and the payroll of public establishments. This modernization is part of the government’s desire to respond to the economic and social challenges of the DRC, while strengthening road safety, fighting against insecurity in the east of the country and regulating inequalities in the Congolese media.

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has taken the decision to increase fuel prices to preserve the balance of the supply system and strengthen the management of the oil subsidy. This increase is applied in the country’s three supply zones, with a price variation. Although this decision may have repercussions on the country’s economy, it is intended to control the tax expenditure and the budgetary cost.