Regional security, trade and post-conflict reconstruction initiatives are on the agenda during President Jacob Zuma ’s first state visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
SA has in recent years allocated millions of rand towards stabilising the DRC and rehabilitating its economy after decades of civil war that ended in 2003.
Through the Department of International Relations managed African Renaissance Fund, SA two years ago gave the DRC R20m to train officials within the public service.
Other initiatives included the deployment of South African soldiers as part of a United Nations project to prevent the resurgence of conflict.
A regional integration analyst at the Pretoria based economic research institute, Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies, yesterday said Mr Zuma was most likely to also raise the issue of energy supply with his Congolese counterpart President Joseph Kabila.
"The DRC is a water abundant country that could supply the whole region with energy security and the president (Zuma) would be looking at reviving the failed energy deal by Eskom to operate the Inga Dam," Bongani Motsa said.
It's a shame to see Congo selling electricity to South Africa when most Congolese living in darkest.
Also, despite millions of rand given to Congo by South Africa, Congo's economy failed to generate any exports to South Africa. South Africa sold 6 billion rand but only bought 103,000 rand worth of goods.
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