DRC Prime Minister presents 2024 Budget of 40.5 Trillion CDF to National Assembly
On Friday, September 15, 2023, Congolese Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde presented the 2024 Draft Finance Law to the National Assembly, with an estimated budget of 40,463 billion Congolese Francs (CDF). This represents a 24.7% increase compared to the 2023 budget, which was estimated at 32,457 billion CDF.
Since taking office in the Republic’s government under President Félix Tshisekedi’s leadership, Prime Minister Sama Lukonde has consistently adhered to the culture of excellence.
This includes complying with Article 126, paragraph 3 of the DRC Constitution, which requires the submission of the draft Finance Law no later than September 15. Once again, the Sama Lukonde Government has honored this constitutional deadline.
The Congolese Prime Minister presented all the accompanying documents for the 2024 Draft Budget in the presence of the National Assembly’s Office members, led by President Christophe Mboso, as well as some members of the National Executive.
The 2024 Draft Finance Law features a balanced budget, with revenues and expenditures both totaling 40,463 billion Congolese Francs.
In recognition of the timely submission of the draft Finance Law, Prime Minister Sama Lukonde and his entire government received congratulations from National Assembly President Christophe Mboso. President Mboso emphasized that the current parliamentary session is primarily focused on budgetary matters.
Speaking to the press, the Congolese Prime Minister outlined the key priorities of the 2024 draft budget:
“Our submission of the draft budget by September 15th is a constitutional obligation, as stipulated in Article 126, paragraph 3. Our priorities, as directed by President Félix Tshisekedi, center on meeting the expectations of the population.
Firstly, we will allocate resources to the Defense sector, in line with the Defense Sector Funds and our commitments to the Defense Reserve Force.
Secondly, we will continue to invest in free education, benefiting nearly 6 million students. Thirdly, we’ll prioritize healthcare, especially universal health coverage, free maternity, and post-partum follow-up.”
The 2024 Draft Budget also supports ongoing reforms, particularly the implementation of the PDL-145 territories, and emphasizes diversifying the economy with increased investments in agriculture, fishing, livestock, and infrastructure.
Prime Minister Sama Lukonde highlighted the importance of scientific research, allocating 3% of the budget to this sector to boost the production of Congolese products.
In addition, the budget allocates significant funds for the electoral process, which includes national legislative, presidential, provincial, and local elections.
This comprehensive approach aims to ensure the completeness of the electoral process, including support for local and senatorial elections.
Prime Minister Sama Lukonde underscored the government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations towards the National Assembly, particularly through the Program Budget, involving seven sectoral ministries, such as Higher Education, Defense, Agriculture, Rural Development, and Health.
