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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing significant scrutiny of its agricultural practices, particularly in the coffee and cocoa sectors, following new environmental measures adopted by the European Union (EU). Julien Paluku Kahongya, Minister of External Trade,
During a press conference held on December 30, 2024, in Kinshasa, Julien Paluku Kahongya discussed the distinction between forest cover and arable land (land suitable for plowing, cultivating, and farming).
He emphasized that the DRC boasts:
« 155 million hectares of forests and 80 million hectares of arable land, resulting in a deforestation rate of only 0.03%.
From a technical perspective, it is incorrect to say that the DRC engages in deforestation; rather, it practices reforestation, » stated Julien Paluku.
“When the EU certifies coffee or cocoa, it sends auditors from its community who produce a report valid for one year. EU auditors visited the DRC in August 2024,” he explained.
The EU Measures and Misunderstandings
Misinterpretations arose regarding the EU’s regulations. The Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC) based its understanding on an older measure from May 2023.
Regarding the updated October 2, 2024, measures, the EU postponed their implementation to September 30, 2025, to establish control mechanisms in collaboration with the Congolese government.
The EU and Zero-Deforestation Certification
The European Parliament’s « zero-deforestation » regulation aims to exclude agricultural products linked to deforestation from the European market. In August 2024, the DRC secured certification for its cocoa, thanks to audits conducted on its plantations. However, misunderstandings arose about the application of these standards, partly due to the EU’s delayed update of its requirements in October 2024.
Julien Paluku Kahongya emphasized that, contrary to some misconceptions, the DRC has an extremely low deforestation rate (0.03%) and is actively engaged in reforestation. With 155 million hectares of forests and 80 million hectares of arable land, the country possesses significant agricultural potential to be exploited sustainably.
Economic and Social Impacts
The EU measures could have severe consequences for the Congolese economy, including:
Loss of agricultural revenue: Limited access to the European market could reduce opportunities for local farmers.
Job insecurity: Thousands of agricultural workers could lose their jobs.
Decreased foreign exchange earnings: Europe, being a key market, plays a crucial role in the country’s economic reserves.
Diversifying Partnerships
To counter these challenges, the Congolese government is pursuing a strategy of market diversification. Discussions are underway to strengthen trade with countries like China and the United States. These markets, while promising, also impose strict standards, requiring additional efforts from Congolese producers.
Toward Sustainable and Competitive Agriculture
With an ambitious goal of producing 3 million tons of cocoa by 2030, the DRC aims to make agriculture a cornerstone of its economic growth. This development could contribute to increasing the GDP by $30 billion.
Additionally, the creation of an agricultural cadastre to identify zones suitable for sustainable farming demonstrates the government’s commitment to aligning its agricultural ambitions with international environmental standards.
A Necessary Dialogue with the EU
By postponing the implementation of new standards to September 30, 2025, the EU provides the DRC with an opportunity to adapt and negotiate favorable conditions. During this period, dialogue between the two parties will be crucial to avoiding economic disruptions while adhering to environmental standards.
