Macroeconomic indicators are positive, but the social situation remains worrying. The labour
market remains very small and real wages are not increasing. Rampant malnutrition is one of the
leading causes of death. Many children remain outside the education system, the quality of which
is also questionable. The major challenge facing the country is to ensure the economy contributes
to human development.
The security situation has improved a little but some armed groups remain active in the east
of the country. In November 2013, after heavy fighting during the first ten months of the year, the
armed forces (FARDC) succeeded in ending the rebellion by the 23 March Movement (M23). Areas
formerly controlled by the armed group are yet to be secured and their infrastructure still to be
rebuilt.
Growth is expected to remain at 8.5% in 2014 and 8.6% in 2015. It will be driven by mining
(copper, cobalt and gold), reconstruction of roads and energy infrastructure as well as the impact
of the agricultural campaign launched in 2012. Under the pressure of overall demand, inflation
is expected to increase but remain below the target of 4%. These prospects are vulnerable to the
possible resurgence of conflict in the east of the country and its potential impact on public finance
sustainability and the business climate. Lower growth in emerging markets could result in a fall
in foreign direct investment and a decline in demand for minerals