In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the government recently presented a draft decree for the reassignment of petroleum rights to the national company Sonahydroc. This project, which is part of a larger effort to restructure the hydrocarbon sector, raises crucial issues both economically and administering, especially after the cancellation of a tender previously tainted with irregularities. In a context marked by concerns relating to transparency and resource management, votes are to question the effectiveness of this new approach and the lessons to be learned from the country’s recent history. While civil society and experts call for more responsible and inclusive management, the future of oil exploitation in the DRC will depend on an approach that will combine economic development and respect for national interests, while sailing in a complex geopolitical and economic environment.
Category: Economy
The death of Joachim Mayenda Makuala, the main Inspector of Finance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on April 13, 2025, raises questions about his heritage and the current state of tax governance in the country. A tribute ceremony has brought together many colleagues and relatives, highlighting both its significant contributions to tax reforms and the human dimension of its commitment. This moment of meditation invites us to reflect not only on the impact of his work within the Ministry of Finance, but also on the future challenges that the Democratic Republic of Congo will have to take up to perpetuate and strengthen advances in matters of tax equity. The loss of a respected leader raises questions about the continuity of tax missions and the capacity of the State to train new leaders. Faced with a complex bureaucratic system, how to integrate this heritage into the construction of a fiscal future servant of the population?
The rise in food prices in Egypt, particularly in animated areas such as the Al-Sayeda Zeinab district of Cairo, raises real and complex concerns for many families. This situation is largely influenced by the increase in fuel costs, which directly impacts transport and logistics, resulting in basic food. However, the causes of this increase are not limited to a single factor, but are part of broader economic interactions. Faced with this context, voices are raised within the population to express their concerns about their ability to maintain a balanced diet, testifying to an urgent need for adapted responses. Experts and authorities are thus called upon to collaborate to explore solutions aimed at mitigating the impact of this inflation and supporting household resilience, while considering the dynamics at stake in this difficult economic reality.
The industrial corridor project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) arouses growing interest, both for its economic ambitions and for the challenges it raises. With an investment estimated at $ 6 billion, this initiative aims to establish a modern infrastructure of 3,100 kilometers connecting several provinces and key cities in the country. However, behind this optimistic vision hides a complex reality, marked by questions of governance, financing and economic inclusion. The success of this project, which could transform the economic landscape of the DRC, will depend on the establishment of transparent and sustainable mechanisms, as well as the active involvement of local actors. In this context, it is essential to explore the multiple dimensions of this project and its implications for the populations concerned.
The modernization of the rail line between Kisangani and Ubundu in the Democratic Republic of Congo is part of a context where transport infrastructure is often perceived as potential levers for economic development. While this railway, essential for interprorvincial trade, has suffered over the years from a lack of maintenance, the announced project of its rehabilitation by the Congolese government and the South Korean Society Masco Energy and Construction opens the way to complex questions. What will be the real benefits for local communities? Will transparency in fund management be ensured? Will the integration of modern technologies, such as the electrification of the train, will be well accompanied by support adapted to the populations concerned? This project, while promising to revitalize transport, calls for a reflection on the administrative, environmental and social challenges that accompany it. The success of this initiative could not only transform the region, but serve as a model for other investments in infrastructure across the country.
The electricity cut in Bandundu, which has recently occurred due to a technical breakdown, raises significant questions about energy supply and public services in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a context where the city hitherto benefited from a continuous power supply, the incident highlights the vulnerability of the system and the repercussions on the daily life of the inhabitants. If the National Electricity Society (SNEL) strives to restore the situation, the economic and social implications of this interruption are deep. This phenomenon encourages to think about the challenges of a development province, the resilience of its infrastructure, as well as the need to improve access to a resources as crucial as electricity.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is going through a period of crucial reflection on its economic situation, marked by advances but also by persistent tensions. During a recent meeting of the Council of Ministers, analyzes were shared concerning an economic situation in the process of improvement, still fragile in the face of global challenges. The challenges of inflation, depreciation of the national currency and restrictive monetary policy raise questions around the impact on the purchasing power of the Congolese and the creation of an environment conducive to entrepreneurship. While the need for economic diversification is pressing, the country must consider concerted strategies to support this transition, while assessing the implications of these transformations on its population. The complexity of these themes invites sustained reflection, lit by open dialogues and nuanced analyzes.
Benin, in the midst of economic growth phase, is at an essential crossroads of its development with the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This raises relevant questions about the sustainability of this dynamic within an often complex economic environment. While growth rates of 7.5 % are envisaged for 2024 and the public deficit remains controlled at 3 % of GDP, social and budgetary issues are taking shape, calling for a reflection on the impact of this growth on poverty and inequalities. Reform initiatives aimed at improving the transparency of the economy could bear fruit, but require attention to ensure that they benefit everyone. In this perspective, the challenge remains to reconcile economic rigor and social well-being, while ensuring that the benefits of growth are fairly shared. This table offers fertile field for a more in -depth reflection on the future of Benin and the role of international institutions in its evolution.
The analysis of the 2025 budget of the Democratic Republic of Congo reveals a table that is both encouraging and complex, reflecting the immediate challenges that the country is confronted. With revenue beyond forecasts, we observe notable efforts to mobilize resources, driven by the desire to strengthen budgetary governance. However, these results are accompanied by a more nuanced reality: public spending in sharp rise, in particular due to security imperatives in the east of the country, exacerbates a budgetary deficit which questions the long -term financial sustainability. While the country sails between the need to secure populations and the importance of investing in essential areas such as education and health, the question of reconciliation and socio-economic development arises. This context calls for a collective reflection on expenditure priorities and financing strategies, aimed at establishing a framework conducive to the development of the Congolese.
The National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently presented its financial management report for the year 2024, raising significant issues around budgetary priorities and institutional accountability. In a context where budget forecasts amounted to 1,296.3 billion Congolese francs, while the finance law allocates only 782.6 billion, the question of the balance between the needs expressed and the resources available is acutely. This report suggests a desire for improvement through transparency and the establishment of an ad hoc commission to examine finances, but it also highlights choices deemed controversial by some, such as the doubling of retirement pensions for honorary deputies. In short, this analysis invites to an in -depth reflection on the challenges of effective and responsible budgetary management in a country with complex realities.