DRC: President Félix Tshisekedi’s instructions to the government regarding the high cost of living
In his speech at the 5th Council of Ministers meeting held on Friday, July 12, 2024, President Félix Tshisekedi addressed the crucial issue of the national economic situation, which presents significant challenges, particularly concerning food prices that directly impact the daily lives of Congolese citizens.
He reminded government members of the need to undertake urgent actions to promote the emergence of national economic champions.
According to the Head of State, the rise in prices has severely strained the purchasing power of Congolese citizens, making access to goods and services difficult. He noted that this price increase, not necessarily the result of normal economic conditions, is sometimes the work of enemies of the DRC who engage in speculation solely to turn the population against the government’s salvific actions.
Since taking office as President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in January 2019, Félix Tshisekedi has undertaken various actions aimed at improving the quality of life for Congolese people. Aware of the numerous challenges facing the country, including security, economy, and social services, Tshisekedi has adopted a multidimensional approach to address the population’s needs.
“Reiterating his determination and that of the Government to deploy numerous initiatives aimed at stabilizing market prices and promoting Congolese entrepreneurship, he encouraged the Government to redouble its efforts and work synergistically by taking concrete and swift actions to restore the purchasing power of our compatriots and foster the emergence of local and even national economic champions”, reported the meeting’s minutes.
It should be noted that President Félix Tshisekedi has launched several initiatives to stimulate the Congolese economy. Among these is the free primary education program, designed to alleviate the financial burden on families and increase school enrollment rates. Furthermore, he has worked to attract foreign investments by implementing reforms to improve the business climate. A significant part of his efforts has also been devoted to combating corruption, a scourge that undermines the country’s development.
In sum, although the challenges remain immense, the actions undertaken by Félix Tshisekedi demonstrate his commitment to transforming the DRC and improving the living conditions of its citizens.
