Hard lessons from Congo a land of great wealth?

The Republic of Congo is a country of great wealth. It's located in the Western Africa with a modest coastline.

Population
It has a population of over 4,117,000 est.(2006) and an a growing annual rate of 2.29%.

However life expectancy in Congo is just 47 years and with the women 50 years. The AIDS epidemic has severaly had a knock on effect on the counry. The Congo is one of the the most urbansied country in Africa where over 85 % of the population lives in the Capital . The offical Language is French. The population of Congo is made up of 4 major ethnic groups . There are also 12 pygmies who live in the deep African forest in the region.

Congo is second to only South Africa in mineral wealth. Gus Constantine reported in The Washington Times this year that Congo holds a treasure trove of valuable minerals that are at once the country's greatest blessing and most enduring curse. This has as such attracted rapacious exploiters from the 19th century Belgian colonist to foreign-backed rebel groups. Over 5 milllion have died in the past decade one of the bloodiest conflict since the World War II due to the mineral wealth.

Infrustructure
Congo lacks the infrustructure it needs to manufactures its mineral resources. Therefore find themselves vunerable and exposed to all type of corruptions and crimes associated with such wealth.

It's manufacturing industry plays a small role in the economy thus giving way to more foreign companies to exploit minerals. Congo is rich in mineral resources than most western countries. However currently at the mercies of foreign companies to help with the manufacturing and exploitation of its mineral wealth.

Congo is also blessed with oil. Yet not smart enough like the Saudia Arabian who spotted their own potential and cashed in. hence today they are the one of the world leader oil producers. Congo, the fourth largest producer of oil and has over 1.5 billion barrel in reserveyet still very poor. In 1994 , Congo did deregulated the oil industry by offering production-sharing agreement with major foreign oil companies. However the economic downturn in oil prices crippled their chances of being in control. Congo is still hoping increase its export revenues in the coming years.

Recommendations for African leaders countries.

 Be the overaching role of command
 Never give up your power of vital resources to over ride corruption among foreign officals

 Be in control yet outsource vital expertises needed when needed

 Work in partnership with other oil rich nations and learn from them or google their strategies

 Corporate Social Responsibility must be embeded in all business plans

 Invest heavily in infrastructure, and redevelopment of key areas ie industry, education, IT , railways, and hospitals.

 Ensure the implementation of social responsibility and involve the locals who may be affected in the signing of contract to gain credibility.

 Good governance is the key to any real development and regeneration of areas.

 Appreciate and value every individual's contribution towards the state's development

 Invest heavily in ecotourism after all the above have been achieved.

 Promote tourism and bring engage the tourists at all times to nature.

 Great opportunity to build more café, resturants, hotels, bed and breakfast facilities looking at those with less to spend. These measures would surely not only create brisk business into the country but better standard of living.

 Above all add to the country's self worth & esteem and pride.

Development / Ghana / Africa / Modernghana.com