DRC: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa presented the budget of the government’s action plans to Parliament

Ahead of the inauguration in DRC of the new government, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, barring any last-minute changes, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka presented the government’s action plans and the corresponding budget to the National Assembly.

Given the current situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), everything appears to be a priority with significant challenges at hand.

From restoring state authority and ending the conflict in North Kivu to improving basic infrastructure, healthcare, combating corruption, and ensuring good governance, the DRC requires a substantial budget to address these issues.

Prime Minister Suminwa Tuluka revealed that the cost of the government’s action program for the next five years (2024-2028) is estimated at USD 92.9 billion, averaging an annual cost of USD 18.471 billion.

The Prime Minister emphasized that this budget will be fully covered by state and non-state resources from the central government, provinces, and decentralized territorial entities.

Following Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka’s presentation, National Assembly President Vital Kamerhe noted that the action program is based on six commitments made by President Félix Tshisekedi.

“The Prime Minister has adhered closely to the promises made by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi to the nation. These six commitments are transformed into pillars for all actions to stabilize our country, end insecurity, and make the DRC a leading force in Sub-Saharan Africa. The ambitious figures should not intimidate you. When I heard USD 92 billion, I saw some reactions of surprise, but it is achievable. Nowadays, no government builds highways alone; the DRC is a large country. I also noted that each year, the budget will be around USD 18 billion. We need to dream big and have ambitions to move forward,” stated Kamerhe before the majority parliamentary deputies and government members.

Given the magnitude of the tasks ahead, the incoming government, once approved by the lower house of Parliament, will need to act swiftly.

They must promptly begin implementing the six pillars of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi’s second-term program to translate these plans into concrete actions.

Gilbert Fotso