President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has set his sights high, aiming to generate a whopping 6.4 million job opportunities during his second term, equating to about 1.3 million jobs annually.
His game plan? Mining—the nation’s prime export. With untapped mineral resources valued at a jaw-dropping $24 trillion, the potential for job creation is immense, provided these riches don’t vanish due to theft.
The urgency behind this ambition stems from alarming statistics: seven out of ten college graduates in the Congo struggle to secure employment, with youth unemployment at a staggering 35 percent. Most who do find work end up in agriculture, public service, or the informal sector, highlighting a systemic issue exacerbated by the country’s security challenges.
Tshisekedi’s mission? Overhaul the mining sector to curtail exploitation by foreign entities. Upon assuming office, he pledged to cultivate a middle class in a nation ranked among the world’s poorest by the World Bank.
His strategy involves enforcing Congolese subcontracting laws to distribute wealth generated by mining activities more equitably. The task falls on the Congolese mining regulator, ARSP, which recently clashed with gold mining giant Kibali Gold over subcontracting violations.
Following tense negotiations, a breakthrough was reached, ensuring that contracts remain within Congolese borders. This agreement not only signals a win for local entrepreneurs but also aligns with Tshisekedi’s vision for economic empowerment.
As Miguel Katemb, ARSP Director General, spearheads this noble cause, supported by Cyril Mutombo of Kibali Gold, the stage is set for a transformation in the Congo’s economic landscape, with opportunities blossoming for its people.
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