Can Tshisekedi’s second term deliver inclusive growth for DRC?

Structural reforms are vital to ensure the country’s rising economic growth improves the lives of Congolese.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi's first term was tested by questions surrounding his election victory, violence in the east of the country, and the poor state of the economy.

His administration registered some success in accelerating DRC’s economic growth from 1.7% in 2020 when COVID-19 struck, to 8.9% in 2022. However, high growth rates have not been accompanied by a structural transformation of the economy. Much work remains for Tshisekedi to improve the lives of Congolese, particularly in taking a longer-term view of its future.

This seminar will examine the DRC’s development potential across eight key sectors and what inclusive growth and development could deliver for a country that will have a population of 164 million by 2043.

Read the full report in English or French.

This seminar is co-hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation.

Simultaneous French-English interpretation will be provided for online participants.

Moderator: Piers Pigou, Head of Southern Africa Programme, ISS

Presenter: Dr Kouassi Yeboua, Senior Researcher, African Futures & Innovation, ISS

Panellists:

Dr Blessing Chipanda, Researcher, African Futures & Innovation, ISS

Malte Liewerscheidt, Country Director, Hanns Seidel Foundation DRC

Image: Getty Images

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