ABSTRACT
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is potentially one of the richest countries on Earth. It covers an area of about Western Europe, endowed with tremendous natural resources. But the majority of the population remains poor due to years of plunder, conflict, and political instability.
Since 2003, progress has been made in rebuilding the state and economy. The natural resources sectors have been experiencing rapid growth. However, the challenges are immense. Establishing a pro-people governance system, building human capital, and developing physical infrastructure are critical. With the establishment of such capacities and rational utilization of the country’s tremendous resources, the DRC can recover and build a self-sustaining economy.
The Congolese should evolve a development model which ensures that the harnessing of its natural resources is inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and supports peace consolidation. Such a model should combine both national and local development. This necessitates effective decentralization of authority and resources such that while the national government concentrates largely on the nationwide programs, the provincial and local governments have powers and resources to focus on the needs of the population in their areas of jurisdiction.
