The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the implementation of its development projects through the 145 Territories Local Development Program (PDL-145T). Despite the country's challenging security and humanitarian situation, marked by the Rwandan aggression through the AFC/M23 rebellion, now known as FRN, which occupies large areas of the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in eastern DRC.
According to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, the government has made significant progress in executing the program, particularly in the social infrastructure sector. As of now, 1,098 projects have been completed under the PDL-145T program. These projects comprise 649 schools, 371 health centers, and 78 administrative buildings, with an execution rate of 80% in the Mongala province.
The government plans to continue these efforts under the 2027 budget bill. Prime Minister Suminwa presented the bill to the National Assembly on October 29, highlighting the first pillar, "Creating more jobs and protecting household purchasing power," which allocates 10,991 billion FC, approximately $4.8 billion USD. These resources will fund agricultural development, food security, integrated rural development, and the rural component of the PDL-145T program.
The PDL-145T program is one of the main government initiatives launched under President Félix Tshisekedi's presidency. It aims to promote grassroots development and reduce inequalities between territories. This initiative reflects the president's political will to bring basic infrastructure and social services closer to the population, making local development a genuine lever for transforming the DRC.
However, the program has faced difficulties in its implementation. Former Finance Minister Nicolas Kazadi acknowledged challenges related to disbursement arbitrations, which caused delays in some financing. He assured that most funds had been mobilized until early 2024, but the slowdown since then is directly linked to the escalation of the armed conflict in eastern DRC.
Prime Minister Suminwa also emphasized that the first pillar supports industrialization, entrepreneurship, and trade. It finances the presidential program "Debout Jeunes Congolais," dedicated to youth employment and entrepreneurship. Additionally, it covers actions to protect intellectual and industrial property.
The government aims to create a favorable environment for investment and employment by focusing on macroeconomic stability, revenue mobilization, and debt management. The PDL-145T program and the 2027 budget bill are critical components of the government's strategy to drive development and improve living conditions in the DRC.
Key points
- The DRC government has completed 1,098 development projects under the PDL-145T program, including 649 schools and 371 health centers.
- The program aims to promote grassroots development and reduce inequalities between territories.
- The government plans to allocate $4.8 billion USD to support development initiatives under the 2027 budget bill.
