Various leaders this week pitched for DR Congo’s business potential, extolling its unique position in driving the global green energy agenda.
The leaders who spoke at the East African Entrepreneurship Conference & Expo organised by the Nation Media Group in Kinshasa cited the country’s strategic minerals that will be powering electric cars and its improved political climate as incentives for investment.
DRC Information and Communication Minister Patrick Muyaya assured investors and neighbouring countries that the country was safe and ready to do business. Mr Muyaya, who was the keynote speaker at the conference, challenged political leaders to stop “imprisoning” their citizens by blocking borders over political differences, as this was slowing down intra-regional trade.
“The DRC joined the East African Community to connect with the region. Even before we joined the EAC, we used to get food from Uganda. We would like politicians to embrace the spirit of cooperation to build the subregion before we go out to trade with Africa and the world,” the minister said.
His sentiments were echoed by the Kenya’s ambassador to the DRC Dr George Masafu, NMG CEO Stephen Gitagama and Congo Senator Nzazi Lelo.
Dr Masafu said the decision by Kenya’s President William Ruto and other countries to waive visa requirements for Africans would be a game-changer in fostering intra-African trade.
“Visas have been barriers to markets, but now borders must become bridges,” the diplomat said (Read More)
