Category: Economy

**The DRC’s resource conundrum: economic potential under the yoke of violence**

The Democratic Republic of Congo, rich in minerals such as copper and cobalt, faces a tragic paradox: its precious resources, essential to the global energy transition, are the source of conflict and poverty. At the Investing in African Mining Indaba forum, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa warned of international indifference to illegal mining that siphons off profits to the country’s detriment. While reforms are announced, their real impact remains uncertain in the face of corruption and armed violence ravaging the country. To transform this wealth into sustainable prosperity, it is crucial to establish a transparent mining market, with rigorous traceability practices. The responsibility of international actors and multinationals is all the more vital to ensure that Congolese resources are not only a curse, but a lever for ethical and inclusive development. The DRC is at a crucial turning point, where true collaboration between government, business and the international community could redefine its economic future and become a model for Africa. The time to act is now.

### Democratic Republic of Congo: A Key Player in the Tin Market

Between January and September 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) made a strong impression on the global tin market, generating an impressive $409 million in export revenues. The sector, often overshadowed by other minerals, is poised to become a major economic pillar for the country, facilitated by a mix of industrial and artisanal mining. Governance and environmental challenges remain critical, but an inclusive industrialization strategy could propel the DRC onto the global tin stage, attracting foreign investment while ensuring sustainable development. As international demand grows, the future looks bright for the Congolese mining sector, but it will depend on a continued commitment to responsible and sustainable practices.

**Title: Tensions at the heart of transport in Kasumbalesa: When rising fares undermine purchasing power**

In Kasumbalesa, a crisis is looming in the public transport sector, where drivers have skyrocketed their fares, going from 12,000 FC to up to 25,000 FC for some journeys. While users, already facing economic difficulties, see their purchasing power reduced, drivers justify these increases by the inexorable increase in operating costs related to fuel. This situation illustrates an already fragile socio-economic context, raising questions about the need for price regulation. The voices of the population are being heard, with calls for intervention by the authorities to establish a fair and equitable pricing framework. This crisis could paradoxically become an opportunity to rethink and reinvent the transport system, promoting constructive dialogue between all stakeholders involved. The challenge: reconciling the needs of drivers with the rights of users to build a sustainable and inclusive future.

**Mineral Industrialization of Africa: An Awakening in Progress**

During the recent Mining Indaba in Cape Town, Congolese Minister Kizito Pakabomba highlighted a crucial issue: the need to locally transform Africa’s mineral resources to strengthen its sovereignty. While the continent has more than 30% of the world’s mineral resources, it only benefits from 5% of the value added to their production. This alarming imbalance questions the current economic models and calls for strong and integrated industrialization.

Africa, rich in resources, must now assert itself in the face of external pillaging, as Pakabomba emphasizes with the example of Rwanda. This requires multinational dialogues, solid regional cooperation and fair economic policies. Inspired by models such as the European Union, African countries can join forces to create a legislative and economic framework that guarantees responsible management of their wealth.

Through concrete examples from countries such as South Africa and Botswana, mineral industrialization appears as a lever not only to strengthen local economies, but also to guarantee a sustainable and prosperous future. The call to action for a sovereign Africa resonates more than ever, encouraging the development of its resources for the benefit of its populations. A new era is emerging, promising innovation and sustainable development for the continent.

**Unprecedented fundraising by the provinces of Tshopo and Bas-Uele in the face of insecurity in the DRC: a glimmer of hope or a real risk?**

On February 1, 2023, the Congolese provinces of Tshopo and Bas-Uele took the step of a bold initiative by launching a fundraiser to support the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) in the face of persistent insecurity in the East. In a context where mistrust of national institutions predominates, this action seeks to establish a link of direct solidarity between provincial governments and their citizens. However, questions remain about the transparency in the use of funds and the real impact of this mobilization. Comparing this approach with similar initiatives around the world, it becomes clear that an effective and participatory governance framework will be crucial to transforming this local dynamic into a real citizen movement for peace. The road is strewn with pitfalls, but the commitment of the provinces of Tshopo and Bas-Uele could inspire other regions to act for a more serene future in the DRC.

**Giza’s Urban Transformation: Towards a Resilient Metropolitan Future**

The recent announcement by the Giza General Traffic Department regarding the launch of the “14 – Giza” metro station marks a turning point in the modernization of the city’s infrastructure. By integrating this project into the fourth metro line, Giza is committing to sustainable mobility, with a focus on collective transport to reduce pollution and congestion. While the temporary closure of al-Ahram Street raises concerns for citizens and local businesses, traffic management and transparent communication strategies can mitigate negative impacts.

Inspired by international examples such as Madrid and Rome, Giza is positioning itself to become a more connected and accessible metropolis. With a planned investment over six years, this project could also pave the way for other sustainability initiatives in the region, transforming logistical challenges into opportunities for the future. The road is fraught with pitfalls, but effective management and cooperation from local stakeholders could propel Giza into a promising future.

**Madagascar: Androy fishermen face storms and economic challenges**

The recent discovery of 424 fishermen safe and sound off the coast of Androy has brought a breath of hope in a context marked by extreme weather conditions. While this encouraging turnaround illustrates human resilience, it also highlights the crucial economic challenges these communities face. When they take the risk of going out to sea, it is often economic necessity that drives them, as Paubert Mahatante, Minister of Fisheries, testifies.

With Cyclone Elvis, many fishermen, often novices, had to brave dangerous conditions simply to support themselves. This lack of training underlines the urgency of educational initiatives, such as the creation of a fishing school in the region. At the same time, it is essential to develop viable alternatives to ensure the economic stability of the inhabitants.

Collaboration between local authorities, fishermen and scientists is essential to strengthen safety at sea and anticipate future incidents. Ultimately, the Androy fishermen’s case reminds us that disaster prevention requires education and collective support, paving the way for a future where the sea is no longer synonymous with danger, but with sustainable opportunities.

**A Turning Point for the DRC: Popular Mobilization and Economic Reforms in Times of Crisis**

On January 30, 2025, under the leadership of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, the Congolese government adopted emergency measures in response to the invasion of North Kivu by M23 rebels. This security crisis requires a paradigm shift from a single military response to an active national mobilization. The reduction in the standard of living of public institutions, aimed at redirecting resources to the war effort and humanitarian aid, demonstrates the state’s commitment to its population.

Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya emphasizes that the people are a valuable asset in this fight. By encouraging civic engagement, the government seeks to strengthen the links between citizens and institutions, transforming adversity into an opportunity for solidarity and determination. In parallel, rigorous financial management could establish solid foundations for the country’s future, while stimulating key economic sectors.

In this context, national unity becomes paramount. Faced with a common enemy, Congo must transcend its internal divisions to build lasting stability and a collective identity. This dynamic could not only change the course of national defense, but also revitalize the entire country, offering a promising avenue for integrated human development.

### Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund and Egypt: A Warning Signal for Foreign Investment

In 2024, Egypt faces a delicate turning point in foreign investment, illustrated by the reduction of the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund’s commitments. Falling from $134.6 million to $100.3 million year-on-year, this trend is part of a global picture of disengagement from emerging markets. The fall in capital flows, peaking at EGP 1.6 billion, reflects a growing distrust of the local economy.

Faced with competition from more stable markets such as the Emirates and Qatar, Egypt must rethink its approach to attracting investors. The proposed reforms to revitalize the stock exchange could play a key role in this transformation. Thus, by responding to the demand for transparency and regulatory certainty, Egypt has the opportunity to reverse the trend and position itself as a preferred destination for long-term investments. The question remains: how can Egypt transform perceptions of a faltering economy into a promising economic future?

### Security crisis in Beni: a blow to the travel sector

For the past week, travel agencies in Beni, connecting the city to Goma via Uganda and Rwanda, have been facing drastic paralysis due to the growing security instability in North Kivu. With a drop of nearly 70% in their turnover, these companies are struggling to survive, highlighting the vulnerability of a sector that represents about 2.5% of the regional GDP.

Despite this adversity, entrepreneurs like Ghaspin Manyongo Binyongo are trying to adapt through innovation, seeking to diversify their services to compensate for the losses. However, entrepreneurial resilience is being severely tested and calls for government intervention to restore security and stabilize the economy.

This situation underlines the urgency of collective mobilization: governments, investors and private sector actors must join forces to transform this crisis into an opportunity to strengthen economic and political structures. As we face an uncertain future, the success of this initiative is crucial to the economic survival of an entire region.