The National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has declared the 2027 budget project receivable after a two-day examination and Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka's responses to national deputies' concerns. The budget, valued at 56,930 billion Congolese francs, represents a nearly 12% increase from the 2026 revised budget. This significant allocation is almost triple the initial budget forecasts made at the beginning of President Tshisekedi's first term.
Prime Minister Suminwa commended the quality of debates and the relevance of concerns raised by national deputies, viewing them as expressions of the Congolese population's aspirations. She emphasized that the government carefully considered the deputies' questions, analyses, suggestions, and expectations, treating them as legitimate expressions of the people's aspirations. The Prime Minister's presentation aimed to address concerns regarding the budget's financial, social, and territorial credibility.
The 2027 budget forecasts a 5.8% growth rate, up from 5.6% in 2026, and a 15.5% increase in current revenues, driven by fiscal reforms and improved public resource mobilization. In terms of security, Suminwa announced that 20% of current revenues will be allocated to defense and security forces, diplomacy, and war communication. The government also plans to recruit 20,000 military personnel and 18,000 police officers in 2027.
On the social front, the budget project includes the mechanization of 50,000 unpaid public agents, the retirement of 30,000 agents, and an allocation of 825 billion Congolese francs for the continuation of the Local Development Program for 145 territories (PDL-145T). Furthermore, Prime Minister Suminwa announced the official withdrawal of the DR Congo from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a significant step forward for the credibility of the Congolese financial system.
The Prime Minister stressed that the budget is not just a document of forecasts and expenditure authorizations but a contract of trust between the state and the people. Following its receivability, the 2027 budget project was transmitted to the Economic and Financial Commission (ECOFIN) of the National Assembly for in-depth examination and potential enrichments before its return to the plenary session for adoption.
The budget's focus on defense, social issues, and infrastructure development aligns with the government's priorities. The allocation for the PDL-145T program demonstrates the government's commitment to local development and improving the living conditions of Congolese citizens. The recruitment of military personnel and police officers also highlights the government's efforts to enhance security and stability in the country.
The National Assembly's approval of the 2027 budget marks a significant step towards the implementation of the government's development plans. The budget's emphasis on growth, social welfare, and security is expected to have a positive impact on the Congolese economy and population. The government's efforts to improve transparency and accountability in the budget-making process have also been acknowledged.
Key points
- The 2027 budget of 56,930 billion Congolese francs represents a nearly 12% increase from the 2026 revised budget.
- The budget forecasts a 5.8% growth rate and a 15.5% increase in current revenues.
- The government plans to recruit 20,000 military personnel and 18,000 police officers in 2027.
