Category: Economy

**Financial revolution in the DRC: BCC bets on Treasury Bonds to revive the economy**

On December 3, 2024, the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) attracted the attention of investors by raising $105 million during the auction of its Treasury Bonds. Despite an encouraging coverage rate of 87.5%, the Congolese economic context remains perilous, raising questions about the sustainability of this confidence. This dynamic could be both a sign of progress and a call to diversify the State’s sources of financing, particularly through public-private partnerships and green bonds. By capitalizing on these resources, the DRC could not only strengthen its position on the market but also improve the lives of its citizens, thus transforming this financial operation into a real lever for the country’s economic future.

**Reducing the cost of living for institutions: a call for national unity in the DRC in the face of the war effort**

In a context of growing armed conflict in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Félix Tshisekedi makes a strong call for national solidarity. In his speech, he emphasizes the importance of unity and collective responsibility to overcome crises, by redirecting public resources to support the armed forces. However, this initiative raises concerns about its impact on already fragile sectors such as health and education, while 63% of the population lives below the poverty line. At the same time, regional diplomacy remains essential, with particular attention paid to Angolan mediation to ease tensions with Rwanda. The current situation reminds us that, to win this war, the DRC must mobilize every actor in society, because winning peace also implies preserving the dignity and well-being of its citizens.

**The Renaissance of the Banki Livestock Market: An Economy in Reinvention**

The Banki International Livestock Market, scarred by years of Boko Haram-related violence, is about to get a makeover. This long-awaited reopening embodies a vital economic challenge for herders in Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon, while symbolizing a hope of renewal for the Lake Chad Basin region. Led by Borno State Governor Dr. Babagana Umar Zulum, concerted efforts are underway to revive a flagging economy, but the fragility of the situation requires sustainable and collaborative initiatives. With food security and agricultural development as central issues, the victory of this renaissance depends on collective commitment, economic diversification, and bold regional synergy. Banki could become a symbol of shared prosperity, provided that climate and security challenges are overcome.

### Kinshasa at a crossroads: between popular anger and economic uncertainties

After the recent riots in Kinshasa, the Congolese capital finds itself in a precarious situation, oscillating between hope and despair. The demonstrations, initially peaceful in support of Goma against the Rwandan army, have degenerated, revealing deep frustrations and a fragile economy. While 70% of the population depends on informal activities, the climate of insecurity has caused a drop in sales in shops, transforming daily survival into a real obstacle course. The inhabitants, haunted by the fear of a new outbreak of violence, see their aspirations stifled by a stagnant economy and ambient demoralization.

If the authorities are trying to restore order, it is urgent that they rethink their economic approach in order to tackle the roots of this dissatisfaction. The reconstruction of a sustainable economic fabric is now essential to preserve the dignity of the population and put an end to this cycle of anger. The future of Kinshasa will depend not only on immediate stabilization, but also on a sincere commitment to inclusive and shared development.

### The Federal Grant Freeze Order: A Historic Shift for the American Economy

The Trump administration’s recent decision to suspend billions of dollars in federal grants is sending shockwaves through the American economy, revealing an underlying battle between political ideology and the material needs of citizens. Far from being a simple fiscal adjustment, this funding freeze is jeopardizing vital sectors such as public health and food assistance, exacerbating already existing financial strains for vulnerable populations.

The measure raises fundamental ethical questions: Should public resources respond to the values ​​of a majority, or should they ensure the collective well-being? Looking to history, parallels with past social movements emerge, suggesting that this suspension could catalyze a new citizen movement for economic and social justice. As American society grapples with uncertainty, finding common ground becomes crucial, because the country’s economic future depends on our ability to build inclusive, sustainable national solidarity.

**Education in Egypt: A Turning Point in the Face of USAID Scholarship Suspension**

USAID’s recent decision to suspend scholarships for 90 days highlights the challenges and opportunities in Egypt’s education system. With nearly 1,077 students affected, the Ministry of Higher Education has promised to cover tuition fees. However, this rapid response raises questions about Egypt’s reliance on foreign aid and the long-term impact on elite education. With approximately 70% of Egyptian students relying on public universities, which suffer from limited resources, the situation is all the more worrying.

Looking at initiatives in neighboring countries, Egypt could consider a strategy of educational autonomy, fostering local partnerships and diversifying funding sources. The emergence of new technologies and innovative approaches could thus transform this crisis into an opportunity for sustainable reform, guaranteeing quality education for all and preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.

**Goma: Between Resilience and Instability, the Call for Reconstruction**

In Goma, in the heart of North Kivu, the brutality of the recent clashes between the FARDC and the M23 barely resolved, the city oscillates between the hope of reunion and the reality of an omnipresent tension. Closed businesses and basic necessities are rare, jeopardizing the daily lives of residents already scarred by decades of conflict.

Beyond the economic issues, the fragmentation of local power exposes a sociopolitical complexity where armed groups compete for authority with institutions. The debris of war that litters the streets recall scenes of despair observed in other conflict zones, placing Goma in a delicate dynamic of disarmament and reintegration.

The international community must play a key role in initiating sustainable change, by combining humanitarian aid and long-term development. In this fight for true peace, the voices of the inhabitants are essential. Goma can thus emerge as a symbol of resilience, where the aspirations of the populations are transformed into concrete projects for a peaceful future. The road is strewn with pitfalls, but the determination of the Congolese could well light the spark of a renaissance.

**Title: Subsidies in Sight: A Reflection on the Future of Public Assistance in America**

The Trump administration’s freeze on federal subsidies has sent shockwaves through Washington, heightening political tensions and leaving thousands of recipients in limbo. The move, which reflects a desire to shrink the federal government, raises questions about its impact on the most vulnerable and on local economies, where every dollar of aid could generate $2.50 in economic activity. Beyond partisan struggles, growing distrust of government and major social challenges should prompt a rethink of how resources are allocated. While some see the suspension as an opportunity to improve the effectiveness of aid programs, the bottom line remains: how can we ensure that spending cuts do not translate into lost opportunities for the poorest? A deep reflection on public assistance and government priorities is now more urgent than ever.

**A Budget Freeze with Far-Reaching Consequences: The Trump Administration’s Federal Grants Puzzle**

On January 28, a court decision suspended the Trump administration’s freeze on hundreds of billions of dollars in federal aid, sending shockwaves through the civil service. Beyond a mere budgetary maneuver, the move raises questions about the government’s role in redistributing resources and the future of social programs. As civil servants live in uncertainty, the question of their future is acute, particularly in crucial areas like public health and education. Experts and analysts agree that this freeze could be an opportunity to rethink federal governance, clean up the system, and ensure stable funding for the most vulnerable communities. The stakes are immense: it is not just a question of unfreezing a budget, but an opportunity to transform a model that is struggling to adapt to a changing world. In this context, the collective responsibility to find a balance between reform and protections becomes paramount.

**Towards a New Economic Era in Europe: Ursula von der Leyen’s Challenges and Promises**

On 29 January 2024, Ursula von der Leyen unveiled an ambitious roadmap, dubbed the “competitiveness compass”, aimed at revitalising the European economy in the face of pressing challenges such as the energy crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. With EU companies facing energy costs sometimes 60% higher than those in some Asian countries, the competitiveness of European industries is at stake.

This plan, which proposes a “simplification shock” of regulatory standards, raises concerns about environmental impacts, prompting reflection on a balance between economic vitality and ecological responsibility. In parallel, the creation of a platform for the joint purchase of raw materials, as well as a revision of competition rules to foster innovation, marks a desire for solidarity and collaboration.

The coming months will be crucial: the key to success will be the commitment of Member States to build a sustainable economic model that benefits industry, society and the environment. Europe must project itself towards a future where growth and citizens’ well-being coexist harmoniously.