upepo
Elder Lister
For most people, the mention of DRC Congo conjures images of wars, turmoil, and suffering. However, this characterization barely does justice to the miracle that is Congo. A few key statistics to begin with. Congo has a population of about 100 million in an area of 2.345 million square kilometers , all fertile and green. For perspective, Kenya has a population of 50 million in an area of 0.5 million square kilometers, two-thirds of which is arid. In economic metrics, Congo has a GDP of about 50 billion dollars, compared to Kenya’s 100 billion dollars.
Map of DRC Congo showing the various provinces
One of the best known attributes about Congo is its mineral wealth. Which is a lot, so much so that the country can still afford some funds even after most of it is stolen by foreign firms, countries, and government officials. But all that mineral wealth is nothing compared to the real riches the country possesses. If Congo had another name, it would be called the country of many rivers. The country has so many rivers they look like roots on a tree. This river network, coupled with the vast land and lush tropical forests, present Congo’s real wealth. Tapped for hydroelectricity, they have the potential to supply the entire African continent with electric power. Add to that the irrigation potential and Congo could feed the entire continent. Finally, the tropical forests and its biodiversity make for a great tourism resource.
The river network in DRC Congo, a substantial part of which is navigable
Despite Congo’s poor showing in poverty rankings (175 out of 189, with 80% of the population surviving on less than 1.25 dollars a day), the country is awash with opportunities. The small section of the population at the top and government tenders present real money-making opportunities for those who can spot and capture openings. Not to worry about insecurity, the wars are mostly limited to remote villages in the Eastern part of the country. They could not even discriminate against anyone; they have upwards of 300 tribes and 800 languages. Judging from the mix of foreigners to be found in the country, it is evident that there is all kinds of money to be made. Foreigners range from the Chinese (after real money) to Indians (after easy money) to Lebanese (after dirty money) to Whites (after government money). It is depressing and a tragedy for a strong, full-bodied Kenyan to spend his time on this earth buying and selling malnourished goats, or running a brothel disguised as a lounge, or ogling at women in the name of professional photography. It is not that I am any better but at least I am telling you what no to do. You could be the next who-is-who by taking a step of faith in that direction.
The City of Kisangani, the fourth largest with a population of 5 million
Map of DRC Congo showing the various provinces
One of the best known attributes about Congo is its mineral wealth. Which is a lot, so much so that the country can still afford some funds even after most of it is stolen by foreign firms, countries, and government officials. But all that mineral wealth is nothing compared to the real riches the country possesses. If Congo had another name, it would be called the country of many rivers. The country has so many rivers they look like roots on a tree. This river network, coupled with the vast land and lush tropical forests, present Congo’s real wealth. Tapped for hydroelectricity, they have the potential to supply the entire African continent with electric power. Add to that the irrigation potential and Congo could feed the entire continent. Finally, the tropical forests and its biodiversity make for a great tourism resource.
The river network in DRC Congo, a substantial part of which is navigable
Despite Congo’s poor showing in poverty rankings (175 out of 189, with 80% of the population surviving on less than 1.25 dollars a day), the country is awash with opportunities. The small section of the population at the top and government tenders present real money-making opportunities for those who can spot and capture openings. Not to worry about insecurity, the wars are mostly limited to remote villages in the Eastern part of the country. They could not even discriminate against anyone; they have upwards of 300 tribes and 800 languages. Judging from the mix of foreigners to be found in the country, it is evident that there is all kinds of money to be made. Foreigners range from the Chinese (after real money) to Indians (after easy money) to Lebanese (after dirty money) to Whites (after government money). It is depressing and a tragedy for a strong, full-bodied Kenyan to spend his time on this earth buying and selling malnourished goats, or running a brothel disguised as a lounge, or ogling at women in the name of professional photography. It is not that I am any better but at least I am telling you what no to do. You could be the next who-is-who by taking a step of faith in that direction.
The City of Kisangani, the fourth largest with a population of 5 million
