Republic of Congo: Learning the lessons of the pandemic to achieve a sustained and inclusive recovery

With the easing of curfew restrictions that were imposed almost two years ago to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, since the start of the year life has been returning to some semblance of normality for Congolese citizens. As the long-awaited return to growth is expected in 2022, this is an opportune time to draw lessons from the pandemic to ensure a sustained and inclusive economic recovery.

Like all countries in Africa and the world, the Republic of Congo has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictive measures taken by the authorities to limit the spread of the virus as well as the decline in the prices and production of oil, on which the country’s economy is highly dependent, have severely affected activities. The Republic of Congo’s gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 7.9% in 2020, and negative growth of -1.2% was projected for 2021. 

These economic difficulties are undoubtedly impacting people’s daily lives, and in particular the lives of the most vulnerable population groups, including women and young people. Nearly 300,000 Congolese citizens were living in extreme poverty in 2020, pushing the poverty rate up from 48.5% in 2019 to 52.5% in 2020. This poverty rate is projected to reach 53.3% during the 2021-2023 period, and per capita GDP is not expected to return to pre-COVID-19 levels until 2028, even with average growth of 5% per year beginning in 2024.

It will therefore take years to offset the effects of the pandemic on the Congolese population and economy. So how can lessons learned from the pandemic be harnessed to support an inclusive recovery and protect the most vulnerable populations in particular?

Strengthening the health system

Since the start of the pandemic, the World Bank has responded swiftly to strengthen the health response and health systems. The $23.3 million COVID-19 Emergency Response Project (PRUC-19) has boosted testing capacity, provided medical and laboratory equipment, and strengthened the technical capacity of health personnel, community workers, and other personnel. The project also facilitated the purchase and distribution of vaccines and support for the community awareness-raising campaign.

In addition, the $50 million Kobikisa Health System Strengthening Project (Kobikisa means “Save” in the Lingala language) aims to promote increased access to essential health services for communities and improve the performance and capacity of the health system in the medium and long term.

At the regional level, almost $200 million has been allocated through the Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement (REDISSE) program to strengthen collaboration among the 16 participating countries in Western and Central Africa, including the Republic of Congo, and provide better protection against diseases for half a billion people. 

Expanding access to vaccines

Given that only 11% of the Congolese population is fully vaccinated to date and the Government now requires the presentation of a vaccination certificate to access public services and travel around the country, we must work to expand access to vaccines. Universal access to vaccines is critical to avoid putting pressure on the health system and the entire economy. That is why we are working with our partners to provide material support and contribute to efforts to raise awareness about vaccination.

As part of the Africa Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) initiative, the World Bank Group is supporting the vaccination campaign, including vaccine procurement and public awareness raising.

Helping the most vulnerable recover from the socioeconomic consequences of COVID-19

The COVID-19 crisis is not just a health crisis; it is also exacting a heavy toll on the economic well-being of Congo’s communities. In a country where 45% of the population is under 18 and 65% is under 30, the already high unemployment rate worsened as a result of the pandemic. Soaring food prices have made life even more difficult for communities that were already suffering before the pandemic.

We must ensure that the economic recovery does not leave the most vulnerable behind. Almost 207,000 households across the country have already received an emergency cash transfer of CFAF 50,000 under the Lisungi Emergency COVID-19 Response Project (PLRUC). The goal is to reach more than 250,000 households in total through $50 million in funding.

Diversifying the Congolese economy and leveraging human resources

The contraction of the Congolese economy over the past two years has been compounded by the dependence on oil. Although oil prices have returned to pre-pandemic levels, their volatility is putting the Congolese economy under constant pressure. The country’s economy must therefore be diversified if these vulnerabilities are to be reduced. That is why we are continuing to support key sectors such as agriculture, in particular by encouraging the introduction of technologies to boost productivity and the consideration of climate factors and environmental concerns in order to support the country’s efforts to diversify its economy.

The World Bank and all development partners must also support the private sector, without which development is not possible. The Congolese people—and Congolese youth in particular— are very dynamic and creative. The Government’s efforts to simplify and digitize the business creation process are a step in the right direction and must be commended.

Now that all the key players have been mobilized to respond to the urgency of the pandemic, it is time to leverage the lessons learned in order to steer the country on the path to recovery and thus guarantee a better future for all.