The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the largest country in Central Africa. It is six times the size of Germany and has a population of over 100 million. Armed insurgency, political unrest and violence have shaped its history, claiming nearly 6 million lives over the past 20 years.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is considered one of the poorest countries in terms of GDP and has a considerable number of millionaires among the adult population. At the same time, more than 70% live on less than 2 euros per day. And the gap is widening.
This growing class of millionaires is made up of a wide range of people from a variety of backgrounds. Fally Ipupa is the singing Congolese Lamborghini driving superstar. Patricia Nzolamtina owns a startup taxi company that aims to improve the lives of all-female drivers. Robert Seninga is chief executive of the country’s largest mining company. Energy tycoon Eric Monga is about to build a giant dam and hydroelectric plant. After all, evangelist Dominique Khonde has made millions exploiting people’s faith by selling his panacea, Miracle Juice.
In the capital, Kinshasa, and elsewhere in the country, they live in gated communities, often surrounded by security guards, while the poor live in 15-square-meter shacks and work long hours deep in the mines.
On paper, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has what it takes to become one of the wealthiest countries in Africa. It has a young and dynamic population and is rich in natural resources. Nonetheless, it is widely regarded as a failed state. Roads are unpaved and only 1/5 of the population has access to electricity.
Historically, the DCR has had a rough couple of years over the past 60 years. From the 1960s to 2018, the country was ruled by Mobutu Sese Seko, followed by Joseph Kabila. Together, the two allegedly stole more than 17 billion euros from the country.
Many rebel groups are trying to control the mines, prompting the United Nations to send 16,000 peacekeepers. DCR is an important source of coltan, which is used in mobile phone microprocessors. Coltan mining is a multi-billion dollar industry. This is both a blessing and a curse for the country. A kilogram is worth $45, and the mine produces more than 40 tons a week, about 36,000 kilograms. It provides jobs for many, but it is also a source of serious corruption.
The black market is huge, and the mines themselves are dangerous. Safety is not an issue and child labor is common.
In today’s DCR, there are many ways to help a person become rich. Many Congolese who are not millionaires work hard every day. There are bakers, miners, fishermen, taxi drivers, and even young returnees returning to the Democratic Republic of Congo from abroad.
But despite the rush, it’s not a safe bet. Unfortunately, very few people benefit from these natural resources. Only the strong-willed—and those with seemingly morally questionable morals—have what it takes to become millionaires.
Directed by: Guillaume Dumant
