Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), hosts the 10th Makutano International Business Forum from November 13 to 15, 2024. The forum aims to create "a new deal for a strong and prosperous DRC and Africa." Founder Nicole Sulu has invited 1,000 leaders from government, the private sector, and civil society to propose "concrete actions" for transforming the DRC and the continent.

"It's time to lay the foundations for a new deal! This "New Deal" must be built with economic and political decision-makers, investors, civil society and the diaspora. Africa must lay solid foundations for its economic, societal and cultural development, in harmony with its own values and free from outdated models. This is how the African continent will be able to fully exploit its local industry, deploy its full potential and assert itself as a key player on the world stage," Nicole Sufu said.

This year's forum aims to foster encourage interaction and highlight the DRC's economic potential. It will gather various stakeholders to share expertise and develop innovative partnerships for the future.

The forum will begin with a roundtable themed "What New Deal for a strong, emerging, and prosperous DRC?" This panel will include key figures such as the DRC's Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka and representatives from international finance organizations, including the European Union's Ambassador to the DRC, Nicolas Berlanga-Martinez, the Swedish Ambassador to the DRC, Joakim Vaverka, the President of the Fédération des Entreprises du Congo, Robert Malumba, and Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, candidate for the presidency of the World Bank. 

The second day of the forum will focus on specific themes related to strategic sectors in the DRC, including mining and energy, finance and technology, hydrocarbons, health, creative industries, and women's issues. 

PM