DR Congo aims for economic growth

He said DR Congo has a combined energy potential of more than 200,000 megawatts, including 100,000 megawatts in hydropower, which coupled with its natural resources and geographical position can make the country a true global energy web.

"The World-Wide Energy Web could extend to the Mediterranean, Europe and Southwest Asia. This sector alone can generate more than $5 billion revenues annually," he said.

He added that the country holds 53 percent of all freshwater in Africa and 13 percent globally and that it can help solve the desertification challenge threatening north and southern parts of Africa.

Tshisekedi said the government will take strong measures and offer incentives to restore the middle class and young entrepreneurs in all provinces and that government is in the process of creating a youth fund in addition to other complementary measures.

"My ambition is to create several Congolese millionaires and many small and medium enterprises and industries," he said.

Didier Mutombo, manager of Self-Reliance Services, a perpetual education fund, said the creation of the youth fund was timely.

"Congolese youths have good ideas but lack funds to execute them. Commercial banks demand collateral that many youths lack. The fund's impact will definitely be huge. Basically, promotion of entrepreneurship and creation of middle class will reduce the gap between the rich and the poor," he said.

The president also promised to improve the country's education sector, which currently is not in line with the major economic challenges.

He said the skilled labor deficit in many sectors had worsened, along with culture and work ethic.

Toward that end, his government has dedicated a fully-fledged ministry to vocational training, with the aim of multiplying professional training centers.

To effectively develop the country's economy, Tshisekedi said he will promote a powerful, responsible and committed private sector, to complement the government's effort.