Corruption scandal in the DRC: BCECO refuses IGF control over the management of PDL-145T funds

The article “Assessment of the management of public funds of the Local Development Program of the 145 Territories in the DRC” reveals the questionable practices of the Central Coordination Office (BCECO) concerning the management of funds allocated to the program. According to the Public Expenditure Observatory (ODEP), the BCECO refuses to submit to the control of the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), which calls into question the transparency and integrity of the management of public resources. The NGO also denounces the risks of corruption linked to contract execution practices outside the BCECO system. ODEP therefore calls for collaboration between control institutions to fight against corruption in the DRC.

The withdrawal of approval from Congo Gold Raffinerie by the Ministry of Mines shakes the gold industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In a surprising decision, the Ministry of Mines revoked the license of Congo Gold Raffinerie, the first gold refinery in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This action was motivated by non-compliance with the company’s social obligations. However, experts point out that processing entities are not required to comply with these obligations. This decision has a significant impact on the country’s gold industry. It also highlights the challenges faced by mining companies in the DRC. Among other economic hot topics, the second Russia-Africa summit, the country’s financial problems and the delayed development of roads in North Kivu are also highlighted. Economic news in the DRC shows both challenges and opportunities for the country’s economic and social development.

“Vital Kamerhe encourages collaboration between financial authorities and economic operators to stimulate development in the DRC”

Vital Kamerhe, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of the DRC, held a meeting with the financial authorities to discuss the claims of economic operators. He asked for the suspension of the regularization of the VAT on the losses of the oil tankers and a total exemption of the importers of corn in Haut-Katanga. He also gave instructions to harmonize the taxation of telecommunications operators. This desire for collaboration demonstrates the Congolese government’s commitment to the country’s economic development.

DRC’s trade volume down 16.14%: a threat to the Congolese economy

The volume of trade between the DRC and the rest of the world recorded a drop of 16.14% at the end of June 2023, highlighting the economic challenges the country is facing. This decrease has direct consequences on the Congolese economy, with a reduction in income from exports, a drop in economic activity and a deterioration in the living conditions of the population. To reverse this trend, measures such as political stability, the fight against corruption and the promotion of access to international markets are necessary. Diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on raw materials is also crucial to ensuring a strong economic future for the DRC.

“Significant drop in trade between the DRC and the rest of the world: challenges and opportunities for economic growth”

The volume of trade between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the rest of the world experienced a significant drop at the end of June 2023, according to the Central Bank of Congo (BCC). Both imports and exports decreased, resulting in a 16.14% decrease in trade volume. Despite this, the DRC has a trade surplus of 3.203 billion dollars, representing 4.67% of GDP. Economic challenges such as fluctuating commodity prices, the COVID-19 pandemic, and logistical and infrastructure challenges require measures to stimulate trade growth and diversify the economy. The DRC has significant potential with its natural resources and young population, but sound economic policies and investments are needed to develop the economy in a sustainable way. Despite the challenges, the DRC can bounce back and strengthen its trade with the right measures in place.

DRC: Public revenue mobilization still below expectations in the first half of 2023

In the first half of 2023, the Democratic Republic of Congo retroceded 475.5 billion Congolese Francs to financial authorities. However, this represents only 75.6% of the total amount expected, raising questions about the financial management of the country. To increase public revenue mobilization, it is necessary to fight corruption, improve transparency and encourage economic diversification. Structural reforms and good governance are essential to ensure sustainable economic development.

“IGF inspection reveals persistent problems in the local development program of the 145 territories: investigation into the quality of the work and the use of public funds”

The local development program of 145 territories (PDL-145T) is subject to an inspection by the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) in the province of Kasaï-Oriental. The disappointing findings relate to the quality of the structures and the progress of the work. Construction compliance issues were noted, as was the advanced deterioration of road infrastructure. Despite these difficulties, the IGF remains optimistic about the positive impact of the work. Checks are carried out on the materials used to avoid any misappropriation of funds. The progress made is underlined, but it is essential to ensure an efficient and transparent use of funds to ensure a real impact on the development of the territories.

The Challenges of Public Revenue Mobilization in the DRC: Investigating the Reasons for Low Collection and the Economic Consequences

The mobilization of public revenue in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing many challenges, with a mobilization rate below expectations. Tax and customs revenues are below forecasts, which raises questions about the efficiency of the agencies responsible for collecting them. The low revenue mobilization has a negative impact on the country’s economy, with a deficit that must be filled by external aid. This limits the capacity to finance the investments needed to promote economic and social development. To address these challenges, it is essential to improve governance, transparency and oversight capacities at the institutional level in order to strengthen public revenue mobilization and support the development of the DRC.

The Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: high production potential and opportunities for improvement in the copper recovery process

The article highlights the performance of the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as opportunities for improvement in the copper recovery process. Ivanhoé Mines emphasizes its efforts to optimize copper recovery by collaborating with specialized partners. The figures show the quality of the ore mined at Kamoa-Kakula, as well as the progress made in terms of copper recovery. The article also highlights the importance of sustainable mining, in harmony with the environment and local communities.

How civil society organizations supported by UN-Women are strengthening the SME sector in the DRC

In this excerpt, we discuss the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the economic development of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Congolese government has recognized the SME sector as strategic and has therefore invested in its growth to stimulate the economy, create jobs and reduce poverty. Thanks to funding from UN-Women, Congolese civil society organizations were able to sensitize traders in local markets on the requirements of formal trade and the importance of a clean environment. The project also aims to promote entrepreneurship and the employment of women and young people in certain provinces of the DRC. However, problems such as the inefficiency of the one-stop shop for obtaining legal documents persist. Despite these challenges, the beneficiaries of the project express their gratitude and ask for continued support to continue to develop. In conclusion, investment in SMEs in the DRC is essential for inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction and the promotion of gender equality, but continued efforts by the authorities are needed to create an enabling environment for the development of the sector. sector.