MAKUTANO 10 : Decisive Agreements For A Strong And Prosperous DRC And Africa

Kinshasa, November 27, 2024 – The 10th edition of the MAKUTANO International Business Forum, organized by the MAKUTANO Network from November 13 to 15 in Kinshasa, was marked by major commitments and decisive agreements for the future of the DRC and the African continent. 

“The theme of this year's Makutano, ‘A New Deal - A New Pact for the Democratic Republic of Congo and a Strong and Prosperous Africa,’ is a call to action to rethink our social and economic compact. This pact is not merely a necessity; it represents a profound commitment to transforming the Democratic Republic of Congo and the continent as a whole,” declared H.E. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, during the Forum's opening session.

Bringing together more than 1,000 African and international leaders, this edition strengthened its position as a strategic platform, driving concrete actions for sustainable development and inclusive growth across the continent

High-level partnerships and key agreements signed at the Forum :
The 10th edition was distinguished by major agreements across strategic sectors, reinforcing collaboration between the public and private sectors to establish a robust framework for long-term prosperity.

“These agreements demonstrate that Africa is capable of transforming itself,” stressed Nicole Sulu, founder of the MAKUTANO Forum. “The African New Deal is more than an economic strategy; it is an unwavering belief in our capacity to shape our future. Today’s commitments symbolize a collective march toward an independent and prosperous Africa, built by its own people, with the DRC as the driving force. We are no longer dreaming of another world; we are building our promised land, step by step.”

• Strategic support from IFC (International Finance Corporation, member of the World Bank group) : Among its key partners, IFC has renewed its commitment to the development in the DRC by supporting private investment in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, SMEs and agri-business. This commitment was reflected in the signing of a $20 million agreement with a local bank, designed to enhance access to financing for MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) and drive sustainable, inclusive growth in the country. 
  
• “We are convinced that by collaborating with the public and private sectors in the DRC, we can foster an environment conducive to private investment in order to stimulate innovation, promote sustainable and inclusive development and create quality jobs,” emphasized Sérgio Pimenta, IFC Vice President for Africa. “In this respect, the Makutano Forum is an excellent platform for constructive dialogue between public decision-makers, African private sector leaders and donors, with a view to promoting sustainable and inclusive growth driven by a robust private sector. IFC is fully committed to supporting authorities and our private sector actors in this process.”
• A strong commitment from the Ministry of Hydrocarbons :  The Minister of Hydrocarbons, Aimé Molendo Sakombi, announced a new call for tenders in the oil sector scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. Supported by a competitive and secure tax regime, this initiative aims to attract global investors and harness the country’s energy potential. The Minister also outlined planned reforms to enhance governance, improve transparency, and ensure efficiency in the sector.

Other strategic initiatives : 

Beyond these announcements, additional key initiatives were discussed, including:

• A strong appeal from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) :The UNDP issued an urgent appeal to African governments, emphasizing the need to act swiftly to meet the critical challenges of sustainable development in the DRC and Africa. It urged them to prioritize the local valorization of natural resources to create industrial champions, to improve governance to attract quality investment, and to accelerate the implementation of the FTAA zone to boost intra-African trade. The UNDP also stressed the urgency of developing physical and digital infrastructures, adapting education and vocational training to market needs, and strengthening public-private partnerships to implement structuring projects.

An event of international stature
This 10th edition brought together prominent figures from the political, economic and cultural spheres, including heads of state, private sector leaders and representatives of civil society. Together, they explored concrete solutions to common challenges through six strategic axes: energy and mining; economy, finance and new technologies; hydrocarbons; health; agriculture; art and culture; entrepreneurship and women's leadership.

Among the distinguished guests were : H.E. Mr. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, H.E. Mme Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sérgio Pimenta, International Finance Corporation (IFC) Regional Vice President for Africa, Nicolas Berlanga Martinez, European Union Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr Sanginga Nteranya, Coordinator of the Presidential Advisory Council of the National Pact for Agriculture and Food of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Albert Zeufack, World Bank Operations Director for Angola, Burundi, DRC and Sao Tome and Principe, Ghislaine Tessa Ketcha, CEO of Millénium immobilier, Nicolas Tréand, CEO of ERG Africa, Karel Janecek, CEO of RSJ Investments, Lesley Ndlovu, Managing Director of Africa Risk Capacity Limited, Abdou Diop, Associate Director at Mazars, Joseph Kazibaziba, Managing Director of Primera Gold RDC SA, Paul Mabolia, Director General of the Cadastre Minier, Abdoulaye Konaté, contemporary artist and visual artist from Mali, Khadidiatou Sy, Senegalese scriptwriter, director and producer, and Samuel Eto'o, President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT). 

The Forum also garnered the support of globally recognized figures, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing African ambitions. Notable personalities included : Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, John Mahama, former President of the Republic of Ghana, Alain Foka, President of AFO Media, Denise Époté, Director of TV5 Monde, Awa Seck, Resident Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the DRC, Dominic Sam, Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the DRC.

A gala evening of recognition
The gala dinner, the highlight of this 10th edition, was an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contributions of the Makutanistes, leaders who have shaped the network and the development of the DRC. Honorees included Anthony Nkinzo, Chief of Staff to the Head of State, Christian Lusakueno, General Director of Top Congo FM, Al Kitenge, President & CEO of Synergy Group, Yves Kabongo, real estate investor and developer, Vice-President of the International Business Forum MAKUTANO,  and many other influential figures.

The evening encapsulated the spirit of MAKUTANO : celebrating excellence and honoring those driving Africa’s transformation and progress.

MAKUTANO is a network of businessmen and businesswomen set up in Kinshasa in 2014 to take back ownership of the development of a region with exceptional potential, hampered by the lack of exchanges between the various players in the country’s ecosystem. Having succeeded in establishing a climate of trust and a renewed dialogue between private players and public decision-makers, MAKUTANO is now working on a daily basis for the development of the African continent by facilitating, securing and intensifying business relations between pan-African decision-makers.

Over the past nine years, Makutano has brought together hundreds of captains of industry and leading African public sector decision-makers at its annual Forum, including six current and former heads of state. The network has over 500 members in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa and around the world.