Category: Economy

**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.

### The Strike of Teachers-Researchers in Mali: A Call for Educational Excellence

On January 27, the corridors of Malian universities were filled with a powerful echo: the strike of teacher-researchers. This movement, calling for more dignified working conditions and more resources for research, is part of a difficult economic framework, marked by multiple crises. Beyond salary demands, it is a rallying cry for the promotion of education in Mali, where the quest for academic excellence is emerging as a crucial societal issue.

Teachers, who have become agents of change, are seeking not only to preserve their profession, but also to guarantee the economic future of the country. Their fight for trade union and academic freedom resonates with other movements in the region, revealing a collective aspiration for a better education system. As Malian decision-makers are called upon to rethink their priorities, this strike poses a fundamental question: how can we invest strategically in education to make it the foundation of sustainable national prosperity? The answer to this question could redefine Mali’s destiny.

### A Silent Revolution: Agricultural Renewal in the DRC

On January 24, a landmark conference was held at the Pullman Hotel Chapiteau in Kinshasa, bringing together key players in the Congolese agricultural sector. Organized by Equity BCDC and Opportunity International, this day aimed to boost a sector that is vital to the economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), often hampered by structural gaps.

A historical land of agriculture, the DRC is now at a crossroads, with opportunities for innovation and financing opening up to millions of small farmers, especially women and youth. With an investment of more than USD 2 billion, Equity BCDC is positioning itself as a catalyst to transform the agricultural landscape through adapted solutions and partnerships inspired by foreign models such as that of Kenya.

New technologies, such as precision agriculture and digital tools, are presented as essential levers to revitalize the sector while promoting education and training. While the DRC seems ready to embrace this agricultural revolution, the real question remains: will it be able to meet this challenge to become a leader in sustainable rural development?

**Revitalizing the Book in the DRC: A New Literary Era Underway**

In a context where the book industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo is underexploited, an intensive training led by the writer Christian Gombo in Bukavu marks a promising turning point. For six days, a dozen authors deepened their understanding of the economic mechanisms of the book chain, revealing a crucial awareness of the potential of the sector. The USOMI project highlighted the importance of collaboration between literary actors and the State to boost the book economy. By drawing inspiration from international models and integrating digitalization, these writers are now better equipped to transform their skills into opportunities. With the will to act and a support framework in place, the future of the literary industry in the DRC finally seems to be brightening, promising an essential tool for education and social development. This is not the end of a training, but the beginning of a vital movement for Congolese culture.

### DRC Treasury Bonds: A Double-Edged Strategy

On January 21, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo reached a financial milestone with the issuance of Treasury Bonds amounting to 53.50 billion Congolese Francs. This maneuver, orchestrated by the Ministry of Finance, aims to repay a debt to the Central Bank. However, it raises crucial questions about the viability of the country’s economic strategy.

With a maturity of five years, this issuance could well be a springboard for the BCC and a catalyst for economic development, but it requires rigorous management to prevent the debt from becoming unsustainable. The current state of the Congolese market, weakened by a devalued currency and an informal economy, calls for caution. The experience of other African countries, such as Rwanda and Angola, shows that the success of such initiatives depends on budgetary trust and transparency.

Beyond economic considerations, the ecological dimension cannot be neglected. The DRC is full of underexploited renewable resources, and the mobilization of funds must also aim for a transition towards sustainable development. In short, although the issuance of Treasury Bonds offers a way to strengthen public finance, it requires a collective vision integrating finance, economy and ecology for a prosperous future.

### An Invisible Threat: The Uncertain Future of the Fight Against HIV/AIDS in Africa

The temporary suspension of US funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PePFAR) raises major concerns in Africa, where millions of people depend on this crucial support. Since its launch in 2003, PePFAR has treated millions of people and significantly reduced HIV-related deaths. However, the suspension reveals an alarming reliance on external funding, with less than 1% of African health budgets devoted to the fight.

The impact of a disruption would not only affect access to treatment, but would also put thousands of health sector jobs at risk. The fragility of African health systems in the face of such shocks underscores the urgency of adaptation. Governments must now prioritize public health and explore innovative solutions to ensure access to care. As the international community must mobilize, the fight against HIV-AIDS becomes a matter of social justice, where health must not be a privilege, but a right for all.

### Dakar: Traders Seek Resilience in the Face of Economic Change

In Dakar, traders are navigating a changing economic landscape, marked by the imminent exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS. While concerns are emerging about tariff increases, this could turn into an opportunity for rapid and creative adaptation. The informal economy, representing 52% of Senegal’s GDP, is a testament to the strength of regional trade, while innovation, particularly through e-commerce, is emerging as a lever for growth.

Traders could also turn to cross-border collaboration, forging alliances that maximize synergies and reduce costs. In the face of political and economic turbulence, the resilience of Dakar’s trade players could make them pioneers of a more integrated and prosperous West Africa. In short, these challenges are seen not as obstacles, but as opportunities to redefine their strategies in favor of a dynamic future.

### DRC, Rwanda and the Global Economy: A Multifaceted Crisis

The current crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is not just about armed violence and human rights violations, it is also redefining the global economic landscape. At an emergency UN meeting, the DRC’s Foreign Minister highlighted the ramifications of this conflict, which is exacerbated by Rwanda’s alleged support for armed groups. The DRC, which holds nearly 60% of the world’s cobalt reserves, is at the heart of the energy transition, making its resources crucial for the electric battery industry.

However, this wealth of resources poses a moral dilemma: at what cost is this exploitation happening to the Congolese population? Sanctions and calls for peace will not be enough without a strategy focused on sustainable development and respect for human rights. Instability in the DRC directly impacts global markets, with price fluctuations that can cause significant increases in essential raw materials.

In times of crisis, it is imperative for the international community to rethink its policies, prioritizing ethics and sustainability. Technology, particularly with the development of recycled batteries, offers a potential path to reduce dependence on Congolese resources. This critical moment requires thoughtful collective action, in order to ensure a future where economic development and human well-being coexist in harmony.

### Kasai in full transformation: A new era for provincial finances

The resource-rich province of Kasai is embarking on a significant transformation thanks to the assertive leadership of the Directorate General of Revenue of Kasai (DGRKas) under the initiative of Governor Crispin Mukendi Bukasa. The vibrant call of the provincial Minister of Finance, Bazin Pembe, marks the beginning of an ambitious effort to maximize public revenue collection and restore citizens’ trust in their institutions. As the 2025 budget is now promulgated, the province must overcome historical challenges related to internal management and the accountability of agents.

The future of Kasai depends on a strong institutional culture, increased transparency and the active involvement of citizens. It is crucial to raise awareness among the population about the importance of tax contributions in local development, in order to forge a strong link between the administration and the citizens. Collective commitment, combined with training and a determined fight against corruption, appears to be the key to elevating the province to the status of a model of effective public management in the region. By joining forces, leaders and citizens can write a promising new chapter for Kasai.

**Kinshasa: An Educational Initiative at the Service of Social Reintegration**

On January 23, Kinshasa vibrated to the rhythm of hope with the distribution of 600 benches-desks by the National Service, led by Lieutenant General Jean-Pierre Kasongo Kabwi. This action, which benefits the Technical and Industrial Institute of Nd’jili and the Technical and Commercial Institute Bahumbu, raises crucial issues. In addition to responding to an alarming material deficiency in Congolese schools, where less than 30% have adequate furniture, this initiative embodies a social rehabilitation approach by involving former delinquents in the manufacture of benches.

Aimed at improving learning conditions and combating school dropout, this program lays the foundations for a sustainable educational transformation. By planning to expand its activities and create carpentry workshops across the country, the National Service is innovating at the intersection of education and the local economy. An opening to strategic partnerships could further strengthen this momentum. All this underlines that education, a real lever for change, must be considered as a collective project serving the Congolese future.