In Kinshasa, the recent suspension of the rehabilitation of the section connecting the Monishop supermarket to the Macampagne station raises various concerns. This segment of around 500 meters, essential for the fluidity of traffic in a city marked by rapid urban growth, is currently at the center of a complex situation. While traffic jams are intensifying and users undergo daily inconvenience, the repercussions of this interruption are not limited to roads, but also affect the lives of local inhabitants and traders. The reasons for this judgment, although fuzzy, could reflect wider challenges encountered by the city in the management of its infrastructure. Through this situation, the question arises of the way in which Kinshasa can sail in these development issues to improve the quality of life of its citizens while meeting the requirements of increasing urbanization.
Category: Economy
In an African economic context in full evolution, marked by the entry into force of the African continental free trade area (ZLECAF), the capacity building seminar for women entrepreneurs organized in Kinshasa has a particular meaning. He raises crucial questions about how women, often underrepresented in the economic sector, can benefit from this initiative and on the persistent obstacles they encounter, such as access to financing and lack of training. Far from being limited to technical aspects, discussions around this event also highlight the need to adopt a holistic approach which integrates both the commercial practice and the experience of women. Thus, this training could constitute a springboard towards better inclusion, but it also calls for the establishment of strategic partnerships and an in -depth reflection on how to guarantee that the opportunities offered by the ZLECAF result in real advances for women in Africa.
Kakobola’s hydroelectric project in the Democratic Republic of Congo is positioned as a key initiative in improving access to electricity in the west of the country, a region where energy supply remains limited. With a capacity of 10.5 MW, this project testifies to a desire to develop crucial energy infrastructure for local socio-economic dynamism. However, beyond the technical challenges of construction of the power plant, the question of effective electricity management arises, in particular with regard to commercial and price aspects. The adhesion of local communities and an adapted governance framework will also be decisive for the sustainability and the inclusiveness of this initiative. In this context, the experience acquired by other similar projects in Africa could offer avenues for reflection on the best practices to adopt to make Kakobola a model of success.
The African Development Bank (BAD) is at a crucial turning point, with an ambitious project to increase its capital from 93 to 318 billion dollars by 2035. This initiative, carried by a collective desire for African states, arrives at a time when the continent faces immense financial needs to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (ODD) by 2030. Fundamental questions about the effectiveness of these resources, the governance of development projects, and the capacity of the new leaders of the institution to navigate an economic landscape constantly evolving. In addition, a collaborative approach is essential to maximize the impact of these investments, while ensuring that development is inclusive and beneficial for all African populations. In short, while the BAD aspires to strengthen its role, the challenges persist and require renewed attention and harmonized solutions.
The annual assemblies of the African Development Bank (BAD), scheduled for Abidjan in May 2025, promise to be a decisive moment for the economic future of the African continent. While the Democratic Republic of Congo will be represented by its Minister of Finance, attention turns to the crucial issues that this meeting highlights, such as the fight against poverty, the development of infrastructure, and the consequences of climate change. With the imminent transition to the Bad Presidency, a diversity of candidates is in the running, each offering visions to meet the complex challenges encountered by African countries. However, experts highlight the need for alignment between these ambitions and the realities experienced in the field, while questioning the ability of the institution to adopt inclusive and transparent approaches. In this sense, discussions initiated during these assemblies could offer a platform to forge strategies truly adapted to the needs of African populations.
On May 26, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka visited Kasai, a province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where socio-economic challenges are particularly acute. Welcomed by a population in search of solutions to the problems of access to drinking water and electricity, this visit raises questions about the real capacities of the government to meet the needs of decentralized communities. During her speech, the Prime Minister made several commitments, in particular with regard to rehabilitation of road infrastructure and regularization of non -mechanized officials. His support for the armed forces also highlights the complexity of an approach which aims to establish a constructive dialogue with citizens. However, behind these promises is the crucial challenge of the concrete implementation of the announced projects, an essential aspect to transform hopes into tangible results. The visit could therefore represent a turning point in relations between the central government and the provinces, but it calls for vigilance as to the evolution of the commitments made.
Trade relations between the European Union (EU) and the United States are at a decisive turning point, in a global context that is both complex and unstable. Recently, the threat of imposing a surcharge of 50 % on European products by the Trump administration generated notable tensions, encouraging the EU to react. However, a conversation between Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, and Donald Trump temporarily suspended this decision until July 9, thus opening a window for dialogue. This situation illustrates not only economic concerns, but also broader issues of cooperation and confidence between two of the world’s largest economies. While economic actors hope for a reduction in uncertainties, the way in which the EU and the United States will approach negotiations in the coming weeks could have significant repercussions on their commercial future.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite its richness in natural resources, faces a hunger crisis which highlights the growing humanitarian challenges of the country. With nearly 28 million Congolese suffering from acute food insecurity, the causes of this crisis are multiple and interconnected, ranging from armed conflicts to unfavorable climatic conditions. While the World Food Program calls for urgent international support, questions arise as for the best strategies to respond to this complex situation. How can local and international players collaborate to build sustainable solutions, while responding to the immediate emergency of food assistance? This problem raises essential ethical and strategic issues, reflecting the difficult realities facing many vulnerable populations.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is at a pivotal moment in its economic career, with recent discussions on the ratification of the agreement on the facilitation of exchanges of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This text, which aims to modernize and simplify trade processes, poses essential issues about the competitiveness of the DRC on the international scene. While the country aspires to diversify its economy and to redefine as a regional logistics platform, questions arise on the structural obstacles that could slow down this ambition. The interaction between the political will, the institutional capacities and the necessary reforms will be crucial to transform this opportunity into a tangible benefit. This context, both promising and complex, deserves thoughtful attention while the country is considering its commercial future.
On May 24, 2025, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly visited Gizeh to assess the progress related to the extension of the city of Sheikh Zayed, a major project started following a presidential decree of 2017. This initiative aims to respond to demographic increase and growing needs in infrastructure. Beyond the technical aspect of the work in progress, a broader reflection on economic and social issues emerges, questioning in particular the way in which this expansion can benefit all the inhabitants, in particular the most vulnerable. This urban development raises questions about the quality of life of citizens and the harmonious integration of the different communities in a changing landscape. On this basis, the visit highlights the importance of an inter-institutional collaboration to guarantee balanced development.