Impact of public capital on economic growth in DR Congo

The DRC offers a sizeable market to potential investors, but the development of its potential has been undeniably hampered by the country's poor infrastructure. In terms of both quality and quantity, the DRC lags behind several sub-Saharan African countries in the area of infrastructure. The infrastructure deficit in poor countries is indeed glaring and hampers their economic take-off. In sub-Saharan Africa, infrastructure investment needs represent on average 5 to 6% of GDP [African Development Bank, 2021]. In the DRC, basic infrastructure is in ruins. Meanwhile, capital expenditures [roads, bridges, pavements, anti-erosion works, etc.] represent only 0.9% of GDP in 2021 and an average of 1.1% for the period 1975-2021. The optimal size of the state, however, is non-existent.