Category: Economy

### Tensions at the Yangambi Faculty of Agricultural Sciences: A Cry for Change

The Yangambi Faculty of Agricultural Sciences is experiencing an unprecedented crisis, marked by tensions between students and administration that have resulted in acts of vandalism and financial losses estimated at USD 18,399. The return of exams in January 2025 has rekindled deep-rooted frustrations, exacerbated by a faculty strike linked to precarious working conditions and insufficient remuneration. These events shed light on the structural problems of education in Africa, where essential institutions are struggling to meet the aspirations of their students. In the face of this adversity, a call for dialogue emerges as an essential path to restore harmony on campus and initiate meaningful educational reform. The Yangambi Institute finds itself at a crucial crossroads: transforming crises into opportunities for change to build a promising and inclusive educational future.

### Between Risk and Responsibility: The Fight Against Illegal Mining in South Kivu

At the heart of the geopolitical challenges of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the province of South Kivu is at the forefront of a fierce fight against illegal mining. The recent arrest of Chinese nationals has highlighted not only the gravity of the situation, but also the tensions that exist between local and international actors. Although these interventions are often seen as punitive responses to sophisticated mining networks, they raise questions about the effectiveness of such an approach in the face of deeply rooted global economic interests.

Resource management, particularly of cobalt and gold, remains patchy, with less than 10% of the revenues generated actually returning to the Congolese state, according to a report by Global Witness. This dynamic raises critical questions about the DRC’s relationship with its economic partners, such as China, which is often criticized for its opaque practices.

To hope for lasting change, it is imperative to involve local communities in decisions about their resources and to promote a framework for regional cooperation. It is by adopting a collaborative and transparent approach that South Kivu will be able to transform this wealth into tangible benefits for its population. The future depends on the ability to move from repressive measures to enlightened governance, where the country’s natural potential benefits the Congolese and not just foreign interests.

### Teachers’ Strike in Cameroon: A Wake-up Call for Education

On January 6, 2024, Cameroon was rocked by a strike by teachers at public universities, demanding research bonuses owed since 2009. This mobilization highlights the flaws in the education system, already weakened by insufficient funding and opaque resource management. The country devotes only 15% of its budget to education, well below the African average of 20%. Faced with deteriorated infrastructure and inequalities among teaching staff, this strike could have harmful economic repercussions, affecting not only education, but also many families. It is urgent that the government engage in constructive dialogue with teachers and consider innovative solutions to redress the situation. Education, the pillar of any society, deserves increased attention and investment to ensure a promising future for future generations.

### Kinshasa: Food Price Reform on the Road to Sovereignty?

In January 2025, the Congolese government announced a reduction in the price of horse mackerel fish, symbolizing a step towards improving food security in Kinshasa. While this decision is welcomed as a step forward to relieve a largely poor population, it also raises crucial questions about the effectiveness of government measures. The price reduction, while welcome, comes late and highlights gaps in economic planning and coordination of market actors.

To truly transform this dynamic, the DRC must draw inspiration from successful examples from other countries, by promoting competition, supporting local producers and diversifying food products. Price reductions must be accompanied by a sustainable strategy to avoid volatility and ensure a constant supply.

Ultimately, without strong political commitment and solid partnerships between government, producers and retailers, reform could remain a superficial initiative. True food sovereignty relies on concrete actions to improve the quality of life of the Congolese, and this requires a long-term vision to build a thriving future.

### Abidjan and the Zimrida: Between economic promise and security concerns

The recent arrival of the Zimrida ship and its 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate in Abidjan has sparked intense debate in Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting crucial issues beyond simple port security. While this cargo seems at first to be an opportunity for economic development, with traffic forecast to increase by 23% in the coming months, it also raises fears about the consequences of booming industries, such as oil and mining.

The tragic history of ammonium nitrate explosions, including the one in Beirut, has reinforced citizens’ distrust. The need for a rigorous legislative framework, as well as transparent communication between the authorities and the population, are essential to establish a climate of trust. Rather than prioritizing short-term profits, Côte d’Ivoire must consider sustainable practices, balancing economic development and environmental responsibility. In this context, dialogue and community engagement appear as essential levers for navigating this delicate situation. Côte d’Ivoire is at a decisive turning point, and the vigilance of institutions will be closely scrutinized.

### The DRC and the AGOA Forum: An Opportunity to Seize or an Illusory Dream?

As the AGOA Forum approaches in 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo aspires to become the host country of an event supposed to stimulate trade between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa. However, the political uncertainties in the United States and the gibes surrounding the effectiveness of the AGOA program raise crucial questions. With less than 13% of African exports to the United States made under this framework, the DRC must demonstrate its capacity to transform a resounding potential into real investment opportunities. Between the ambitions of Kinshasa and the reservations of the American Congress, the road to economic development could be strewn with pitfalls. Can the DRC really benefit from this diplomatic meeting or is it at risk of being carried away by vain optimism? The answer will lie in its ability to mobilize resources and create a climate conducive to business.

### Indonesia: An Inspiring Model for African Industrialization

Indonesia is emerging as a key player in the nickel sector, attracting the interest of African countries seeking industrialization. With 42% of the world’s nickel reserves, the country has implemented incentive-based government policies, limiting the export of raw ore to promote local processing. However, Africa must approach this experience with pragmatism, taking into account socio-economic realities and sometimes precarious infrastructure. The cases of South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo illustrate the unique challenges and opportunities to be met.

At the same time, the environmental issues related to resource processing are crucial. Indonesia faces criticism regarding its use of carbon-based energy, while Africa could play the sustainability card by integrating renewable energy solutions. Finally, a personalized and innovative approach will be key for Africa to transform its natural resources into a real lever for sustainable economic development, while taking into account its local specificities.

### Tanganyika Cement Price Drop: A First Step Towards a Sustainable Market?

On January 5, 2025, Great Lakes Cement announced a significant price drop for its cement in Tanganyika, from 34,000 to 29,900 Congolese francs. The move, the result of consumer pressure and negotiations with the local government, raises questions about the competitiveness of the market and the sustainability of the reduction. While some welcome the move as an opportunity to boost the construction sector and generate jobs, others fear that the drop could compromise product quality. In a context where cement remains more expensive than in other regions, the challenge is to create a balanced and responsible business environment. Successful change will depend on governments, businesses, and consumers working together to ensure sustainable competitiveness and a fairer market.

### The Evolution of Bitcoin: 16 Years of Economic Revolution

Since its inception on January 3, 2009, Bitcoin has evolved from a technological curiosity to a major player in the global financial landscape. After reaching impressive heights, its integration into political and economic discourse is becoming more established, with governments, particularly in the United States, massively accumulating this cryptocurrency. The Central African Republic is a pioneer in adopting Bitcoin as legal tender, revealing its disruptive potential in fragile economic contexts.

This dynamic is not limited to a simple fascination with digital; it could redefine monetary sovereignty and become a tool of empowerment for developing nations, allowing them to bypass traditional financial systems. The sociopolitical implications are profound, going so far as to call into question historical relationships with former colonial powers.

In the face of this shift, a critical question arises: What is value in a world where Bitcoin, dubbed by some as “digital gold,” oscillates between volatility and speculation? As we celebrate 16 years of Bitcoin, it’s clear that the cryptocurrency is not just a passing fad, but a symbol of a profound shift in how we perceive and interact with money. Bitcoin’s future could well redefine the very foundations of the global economy.

**Kinshasa International Fair: A turning point for the Congolese economy?**

The 46th edition of the Kinshasa International Fair (FICKIN), which took place on January 3, 2024, is establishing itself as an essential platform for reflection on the economic future of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Professor of Economics Godé Mpoy forcefully raised the importance of optimizing commercial transactions through improved taxation and trade facilitation. Despite the country’s natural wealth, the DRC is hampered by structural challenges and high logistics costs, which harm its competitiveness.

To illustrate this potential, Mpoy cites the example of Rwanda, which has transformed its customs procedures into a true model of efficiency. The DRC must also recognize the importance of its informal sector, representing nearly 70% of trade in certain rural areas, and regulate it to maximize its economic benefits. Finally, integration into global value chains requires bold structural reforms and a robust infrastructure strategy.

FICKIN is thus intended to be a catalyst for dialogue to draw an ambitious vision. It is time for the DRC to lift the barriers to its trade and move towards a future where it could play a leading role in the African economy. Concerted and proactive action is needed to transform this vision into reality.