the citizen's blog
The article presents the agreements signed between China and the Democratic Republic of Congo during the State visit of President Félix Tshisekedi, particularly in the field of Congolese strategic minerals, but also underlines the importance of stimulating the Congolese private sector to revive the country’s economy. In addition to this, Fatshimetry’s blog discusses other news related to flood control, drivers’ strike, economic growth, etc.
The fight against illicit financial flows has become a major concern in Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo has decided to take measures to avoid becoming the epicenter of this phenomenon. The Congolese government has therefore decided to speed up the establishment of the interministerial committee to fight against this scourge. The losses caused by this phenomenon in Africa are estimated at around 90 billion USD. The fight against this scourge is therefore necessary to avoid harmful consequences on public revenues and the economic stability of the country.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has relied on production-sharing contracts to boost its oil industry and was hailed for the move at the first Dubai Oil Days. The Deputy Minister of Hydrocarbons, Wivine Moleka, stressed the importance of control mechanisms to maximize the sector’s revenues and meet the objectives of each party to the contracts. The DRC has also launched a tender process for 27 gas blocks to revitalize the upstream sector. These days also promoted solutions to boost the hydrocarbons sector of African countries. Despite internal political tensions, the economic stakes of the oil industry in the DRC should not be overlooked.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) suffers from a deficit of more than four million housing units. To remedy this, the President relaunched the social housing policy by creating three public establishments: the Congolese Real Estate Promotion Agency (ACOPRIM), the National Housing Front (FONAN) and the Single Window for the issuance of building permits. (GUPEC). These structures are respectively responsible for building decent housing, collecting the funds needed to finance construction and regulating the construction sector. The implementation of these structures will contribute to reducing the deficit of more than four million housing units in the DRC.
A new inclusive memorandum of understanding has been signed in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the implementation of the special conventional tax. This agreement sets the terms for collecting the tax and creates a joint committee to ensure its proper functioning. This will make it possible to finance reconstruction projects in the province and to promote the economic and social development of the country. Maintaining dialogue between stakeholders is crucial to preserve peace and ensure the prosperity of the municipality.
The second edition of the young Congolese entrepreneurs fair was held on June 1, 2023 at the Pullman Lubumbashi. Organized by the “Le Parrain” Foundation, this day allowed budding entrepreneurs to meet the winners of the first edition and share their projects. The panel of young entrepreneurs presented innovative projects such as BUNKETE plus, AFYA, ATIA super Gari, MASANGA KONGO, and raising rabbits and quails. The Vice-Governor of the province of Haut-Katanga, Jean-Claude KANFWA, underlined the importance of entrepreneurship for job creation and economic growth. The selected entrepreneurs each received a check for US$10,000 to help them carry out their business. The “The Godfather” Foundation continues to support young Congolese entrepreneurs and create opportunities for the country’s youth.
In the first quarter of 2023, Congolese government spending fell significantly compared to the previous quarter. According to a report, total expenditure amounted to CDF 4,095.18 billion, a decrease of CDF 2,549.16 billion. This decrease is mainly due to a decrease in expenditure executed under emergency procedures. These expenses now represent 11.8% of the total, a decrease of 59% compared to the previous year. Although the objective of limiting these expenses to 10% was not mentioned in the report, it seems that this reduction contributes to getting closer to it. The reason for this decrease could be linked to austerity measures or reforms aimed at optimizing public spending. Good financial management is essential for the economic development of the country, and it will be interesting to follow the evolution of this expenditure in the coming quarters.
The postponement of the National Primary School Leaving Examination (ENAFEP) in 7 educational provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo is announced for June 12 and 13. The Ministry of EPST justifies this decision by the late arrival of the trunks of items at the various drop-off points. This school year, 2,119,100 candidates, including 1,020,448 girls, are expected at ENAFEP distributed in 8,232 examination centers, as well as 2 centers outside borders. The ministry makes every effort to pass this exam despite the setbacks.
The major telecommunications companies in the DRC, such as Vodacom, Airtel, Africell, Orange, Microcom and ISPA, met with the Director General of the ARSP to discuss the cleaning up of the outsourcing markets and to support the creation of a Congolese middle class, in accordance with the presidential vision of Félix-Antoine TSHISEKEDI. Companies are open to the control mission of the ARSP insofar as this remains in accordance with the law. This working session is part of the control activities of the ARSP to enforce the rules of subcontracting in all sectors of the national economy.
The appointment of new facilitators from the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Office (ONPA) in the Democratic Republic of Congo marks a new impetus for this sector. The objective is to boost fish production, modernize the sector and promote its industrialization to ensure the food self-sufficiency of the Congolese. The meeting between the new facilitators and the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock enabled the priorities and strategies to be defined to achieve these objectives. With the political will displayed, it is hoped that these measures will make it possible to develop fishing and aquaculture to meet the country’s needs.
