DRC Governors’ conference charts path for Provincial reform and development
The 12th Governors’ Conference concluded in Kolwezi with significant resolutions aimed at strengthening provincial governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Central to the discussions was the urgent need to reduce political interference in provincial affairs, particularly through the Interior Ministry, while enhancing administrative and financial autonomy.
Vice Prime Minister Jacquemain Shabani outlined several key outcomes from the conference deliberations. Financial reforms took center stage, with calls to bolster funding for the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to ensure the completion of electoral processes, alongside measures to improve provincial institution management and guarantee regular payment of provincial parliamentarians and legislative operational costs.
Security concerns featured prominently in the resolutions, with participants advocating for the operationalization of the equalization fund, increased investment budgets, and reinforced border security measures particularly through enhanced control of small arms trafficking.
The conference also placed special emphasis on healthcare, recommending that 15% of both national and provincial budgets be allocated to the health sector.
This includes dedicating at least one million dollars per province to combat pediatric HIV, respond to epidemics, and expand vaccination programs, while also extending universal health coverage through mutual health insurance schemes.
Infrastructure development emerged as another critical priority, with ambitious plans to construct or rehabilitate 2,121 structures under the PDL-145 Territories program.
This comprehensive initiative encompasses 1,198 schools, 778 health centers, and 145 administrative buildings across the nation, complemented by the planned rehabilitation of three regional airports in Beni, Mongala, and Sankuru by June 2026.
Shabani confirmed that these proposals will be formally incorporated into the conference’s final resolutions, marking a significant step toward implementing tangible reforms in the DRC’s provincial governance framework and development agenda.
The resolutions reflect a growing consensus on the need for both structural reforms and targeted investments to address the country’s most pressing challenges.
Gilbert FOTSO
