KWILU: Validation of the Kikwit Economic Development Pole Characterization Study Report on the agenda of a workshop held in Kikwit on May 13, 2025 (ACP).

The official validation of the Kikwit Economic Development Pole characterization study report, conducted by the National Institute for Economic and Social Development (INADES) as part of the AVENIR Project, was on the agenda of a workshop organized by the AVENIR Project in Kikwit, Kwilu Province, in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the ACP noted on Tuesday during this workshop.

" "This study, which we are currently validating, establishes a detailed characterization of the areas that contribute to the economic activity of the city of Kikwit. It takes into account the main agricultural production areas as well as strategic supply routes. It involves an economic mapping of the semi-wholesale and collection markets, supplied by the surrounding roads and river ports of the Kikwit development hub,"," said Mr Justinien Bacirongo BinyomaNational Coordinator of the AVENIR Project

"We are therefore pleased that this study report on the characterization of the Kikwit Economic Development Hub has been unanimously validated by all the stakeholders involved in this process,"he added.

" "The characterization study conducted is part of the AVENIR Project's activities aimed at the construction or rehabilitation of economic infrastructure (markets, river ports, and road axes). In this context, it was planned that NGOs specializing in social engineering, including INADES, would conduct a characterization study of Economic Development Poles. To ensure inclusive and sustainable implementation, this approach is based on a collaborative approach, involving consultations with stakeholders to integrate their needs and expectations into the process," explained Mr. Gabriel UlumaINADES-AVENIR Project Manager

He also stated: "We sought the participation of all project stakeholders and beneficiaries to validate this study. This validation is a key step that will allow the AVENIR Project to move forward in its process, particularly with a view to building markets, rehabilitating agricultural access roads, and river ports."

About fifty participants, including local authorities, traders, transporters, government service representatives, and civil society, took part in this workshop. Following the discussions, they approved the minutes of the characterization study of the Kikwit Economic Development Pole (PDE), including several recommendations.

Furthermore, during his speech, Mr. Joseph Butoto, Head of the Kwilu Provincial Branch of the Avenir Project, urged all stakeholders to actively support the ongoing process in order to achieve the set objectives. These include the construction and rehabilitation of economic infrastructure such as markets, ports, and agricultural access roads, while ensuring the involvement of all local stakeholders.

It should be noted that the AVENIR Project is implemented in four provinces –
: Kwango, Kwilu, Maï-Ndombe, and Kongo Central - as well as in the outlying areas of Kinshasamain objective is to contribute to reducing rural poverty and improving the nutrition of rural populations in the provinces surrounding Kinshasa.

ACP/ Madiau/ KST