Kinshasa, October 11th, 2026 (CPA).-The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday urged stakeholders in the infrastructure and public works sector to move beyond discussions and begin implementing projects, during the closing ceremony of the 12th edition of Expo-Béton, according to a statement consulted by CPA. “In her closing address, Judith Suminwa urged sector stakeholders to move beyond discussions and proceed with project implementation. Referring to traffic congestion, flooding, erosion and housing, the Prime Minister recalled that these challenges are well known to everyone. She then repeated, in Lingala, a phrase often used by her compatriots: ‘Tolobi mingi, sikoyo tosala,’ meaning, ‘We have talked a lot; now let us take action. And they are right,’” the statement from the Prime Minister’s Office read. According to the same source, the Head of Government expressed the hope that the conclusions of this edition would begin producing tangible results in 2027 in terms of urban transformation and improved living conditions for the population. “Judith Suminwa reaffirmed her office’s readiness to support the implementation of the conclusions, together with the relevant sectoral ministries and other institutions concerned,” the statement added.
From recommendations to action
Presenting a summary of the proceedings, Expo-Béton Organising Committee President Jean Bamanisa stressed the need for better urban planning, secure land tenure and compliance with construction standards. Participants notably recommended planning urban spaces before they are occupied, giving priority to land registration, protecting public spaces and infrastructure, and adopting national construction standards backed by effective monitoring. “Making quality enforceable: no competence without accountability, and no accountability without identification,”Bamanisa said when presenting the general report, as quoted in the statement.The discussions also highlighted the importance of vocational training in construction, recognition of skills acquired through professional experience, and the development of an integrated roadmap to address the challenges facing the Congolese capital, particularly sanitation, mobility, energy and storm watermanagement. The report also recommends concluding a national pact on infrastructure and urban transformation involving the State, provinces, cities, the private sector, banks, professional organizations and technical partners. The Prime Minister received an award in recognition of her status as the first woman to hold the position of Prime Minister in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ceremony also featured the presentation of certificates to workers who had benefited from the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme in the construction sector. The initiative aims to recognize skills acquired through practical experience and apprenticeship rather than academic training, and to facilitate their certification or official recognition by the public authorities. The presence of Marc Ekila, Minister of State for Vocational Training, underscored the importance of recognizing and promoting professional skills. The event concluded with a tour of the exhibition stands, during which the Head of Government spoke with exhibitors and viewed the solutions and projects presented at the 12th edition, held under the theme: “Kinshasa, Driving the Transformation of Cities in the DRC.”