The Democratic Republic of the Congo is working to establish sustainable economic stability. In this context, the management of natural resources, particularly minerals, becomes a central issue. MIBA, as an emblematic mining company, is at the heart of this dynamic. Its revitalization is not only a necessity for the national economy, but it also represents an opportunity for socio-economic transformation for local communities.

Under the leadership of the Minister of Finance, Doudou Fwamba Likunde Li-Botayi, promising initiatives are emerging to address these challenges. The disbursement of 70 million USD for MIBA is a direct response to the urgent needs of the mining sector. This funding aims to modernize the company's operations and ensure responsible resource exploitation. In parallel, it is a strategy to stimulate the local economy and strengthen the DRC's position in the global mineral market.[1]

Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde recently participated in an interactive session on X (formerly Twitter), titled « Mituna pe Biyano »(Questions and Answers), where he addressed various economic and financial issues of the country. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and governmental accountability by providing citizens with a platform to ask questions and express their concerns. The minister's commitment to engage directly with the public demonstrates a desire to build a bond of trust between the government and the citizens.

As part of this session, the disbursement of 70 million USD for MIBA was highlighted as a flagship project. This decision is part of a broader effort to stabilize the Congolese economy and improve the management of public resources. The following article will explore the implications of this strategic decision as well as other initiatives presented by the minister during this interactive session, emphasizing the importance of effective and participatory governance. [2]

The revitalization of MIBA and its economic importance

The Minière de Bakwanga (MIBA) is a key player in the Congolese economy, particularly in diamond extraction and production. As one of the largest mining companies in the country, it plays a crucial role in job creation and in supporting local communities that directly depend on its activities. Revitalizing this company is essential not only to boost the local economy but also to strengthen the tax revenues necessary for national development.

Furthermore, MIBA has a significant impact on regional and international supply chains. By modernizing its operations with the allocated funds, it could not only increase its productivity but also improve its environmental and social practices. This could also attract more foreign investment in the Congolese mining sector, thereby strengthening the DRC's position in the global market. [3]

Fund Allocation

Minister Fwamba specified that the 70 million USD would be used for several strategic objectives, including securing mining reserves and acquiring modern equipment. This targeted allocation aims to ensure that the country's natural resources are exploited sustainably and responsibly. By investing in advanced technologies and adequate infrastructure, MIBA will be able to improve its operational efficiency while minimizing its environmental impact.

Furthermore, the completion of the Lubilanji power plant is planned as part of this project. This plant is expected to provide a reliable energy source for mining operations, thereby reducing operating costs and increasing the company's competitiveness in the international market. These investments are crucial to ensuring sustainable mining operations that comply with both environmental and social standards. [4]

Impact on regional development

The revitalization of MIBA could also have a positive impact on regional development. By creating direct and indirect jobs in the surrounding areas, this project could help reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of local communities. The economic benefits generated by a revitalized MIBA could also stimulate other sectors such as agriculture, trade, and services.

Furthermore, this project could strengthen local infrastructure through the necessary investments to support mining operations. This includes not only improved roads and port facilities but also social services such as education and health. Therefore, the revitalization of MIBA is not limited to a mere economic project; it represents an opportunity to positively transform an entire region.

Commitment to Financial Transparency: Session Mituna pe Biyano

During the interactive session "Mituna pe Biyano," Doudou Fwamba highlighted his commitment to transparent and responsible financial management. This initiative allows citizens to interact directly with their leaders, thus fostering a climate of trust between the government and the people. By opening a direct channel of communication, the minister shows that he is ready to listen to the citizens' concerns regarding the economic policies implemented.

The interactive format also allows for addressing complex issues that directly affect the daily lives of the Congolese. By answering questions on various economic topics during this session, Doudou Fwamba demonstrates his willingness to be accessible and responsive to the legitimate concerns of the public. This not only reinforces his credibility as Minister of Finance but also that of the government as a whole. [5]

Financial Management Tools

The minister also mentioned the use of financial management tools such as the BPE (Budget Execution Plan), the TPR (Triennial Reform Plan), and the MMP (Multiannual Mobilization Program). These instruments are designed to ensure the efficient use of public resources while guaranteeing that every dollar spent truly contributes to the country's economic development. These tools also allow for the establishment of clear priorities in budget allocation.

By integrating these tools into its financial strategy, the Congolese government seeks to establish a culture of budgetary responsibility that could radically transform its financial management. This includes not only better budget planning but also rigorous monitoring of public spending to avoid any drift or waste. Thus, these mechanisms aim to strengthen public confidence in the country's financial institutions. [6]

Modernization of Public Finances

Furthermore, Doudou Fwamba announced that key decrees would soon be signed regarding the General Regulation of Public Accounting (RGCP) and the Single Treasury Account. These reforms aim to modernize the management of public finances in the DRC by introducing international standards that further promote financial transparency. A modernized public accounting system will also allow for better traceability of public funds.

These measures are essential to restore trust between the government and its citizens as well as with international partners. By adopting these structural reforms, the Congolese government demonstrates its commitment to sound governance that respects the fundamental principles of transparency and financial integrity. [7]

Responses to Social Concerns: Severance Pay from the Sama II Government

During the discussions at "Mituna pe Biyano," the minister was questioned about the severance pay for members of the Sama II Government. He confirmed that these payments would be made in two phases starting in November 2024. This announcement aims to reassure civil servants about their financial situation while demonstrating that the government takes its obligations to its public employees seriously.

This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to fair human resource management within the Congolese government. By ensuring that these payments are made quickly and efficiently, Doudou Fwamba aims to maintain a calm atmosphere within the public administration while boosting the motivation of the administrative staff. [8]

Collaboration with the General Inspectorate of Finance

Doudou Fwamba also emphasized the crucial importance of close collaboration with the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) to ensure rigorous and transparent management of public finances. This includes not only increased vigilance against corruption but also a strong commitment to adhere to presidential directives on financial governance. Such collaboration is essential to establish a solid framework that prevents any form of abuse or financial misconduct.

This synergy between different government bodies is fundamental to ensuring effective oversight of public spending. By strengthening this institutional cooperation, Doudou Fwamba hopes to establish an environment where every government action is subject to rigorous scrutiny, thus ensuring that public funds are used in accordance with national interests. [9]

Limitation of administrative staff mobility

To further enhance this transparency, the minister announced a decision to limit staff mobility within the financial administration. This measure aims to ensure that recruitment is conducted in a clear and transparent framework to avoid any form of favoritism or nepotism that could undermine the integrity of the administrative process.

By limiting this mobility within the administrative staff, Doudou Fwamba also seeks to create an environment where each official feels responsible for their professional actions. This will not only help establish an organizational culture based on ethics but also strengthen the overall efficiency of the Ministry of Finance. [10]

Economic Outlook and Future Challenges: Stability of the Congolese Franc

Another crucial point addressed by Doudou Fwamba concerns the stability of the Congolese franc against the US dollar since June 2024. This stability is attributed to effective coordination between monetary and fiscal policies implemented by the Congolese government for several months now. Maintaining this stability is essential to strengthen the confidence of local and foreign investors while fostering a healthy economic climate conducive to business.

Monetary stability also helps to reduce inflation, which heavily impacts the purchasing power of average Congolese. By ensuring that the Congolese franc remains stable against foreign currencies, the government can better control inflation while protecting consumers from extreme fluctuations that could severely harm household economies. [11]

Necessary Budgetary Reforms

The minister will also need to oversee a necessary revision of the 2024 finance law so that it reflects current priorities in the face of persistent challenges such as those related to security in certain regions of the country affected by various armed violence or latent community conflicts. Exceptional expenditures related to these issues must be considered to ensure a balanced budget that effectively meets urgent needs while respecting existing budgetary constraints.

It is crucial that this budget review is conducted with transparency so that all concerned parties can understand how these decisions directly affect their daily lives as well as the country as a whole. Such an approach will not only legitimately strengthen governmental authority but also foster a constructive dialogue among all stakeholders involved in this complex process. [12]