The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), is holding a workshop from February 26 to 27, 2025, to raise awareness about seed-related legislation and regulations. This event aims to strengthen governance in the seed sector of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and harmonize its legal framework with regional standards.

During the opening ceremony, Ir José ILANGA LOFONGA, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the workshop’s significance: “Over these two days of discussions, national experts from COMESA, technical and financial partners, and representatives of national seed operators will focus on this critical issue for effective governance of the seed sector in the DRC.”

The development of the seed sector is a priority for the Congolese government, as it serves as a key lever to enhance crop production and bolster national food security. However, this progress depends on establishing an appropriate regulatory framework. For years, the Ministry of Agriculture has worked to develop legislation governing seed production, quality control, certification, protection, and marketing. The DRC’s integration into the COMESA region requires aligning its legal instruments with the organization’s standards to facilitate cross-border seed trade.

Harmonizing seed regulations at the sub-regional level offers multiple benefits. It ensures sound sector management, improves seed quality on the market, and boosts competitiveness among member states. This initiative will also encourage underperforming member countries to intensify efforts to meet COMESA’s shared standards.

In his address, State Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Grégoire Mutshail Mutomb highlighted the importance of this harmonization for the Congolese and regional agricultural sectors: “Africa has immense agricultural potential, and we must work together to ensure access to quality seeds. The DRC, with its fertile land and favorable climate, can play a major role in supplying seeds to the region.”

Access to quality seeds remains a significant challenge for smallholder farmers in the COMESA region. Trade statistics indicate that out of 90 million small-scale farmers, only 20% have access to improved seeds. This directly impacts agricultural productivity and food security. Harmonized seed regulations will also facilitate the inclusion of local varieties in the regional catalog, promoting their production and international commercialization. Additionally, projects such as COMSHIP (COMESA Seed Commercialization Plan) and RECAMP (Regional Competitiveness and Market Access Program) play a pivotal role in enhancing seed availability and quality.

This workshop marks a crucial step toward establishing a coherent and effective regulatory framework for the seed sector in the DRC. By aligning its regulations with COMESA’s, the DRC positions itself strategically to strengthen its agricultural sector, accelerate regional seed trade, and contribute to Africa’s food security. The discussions will undoubtedly yield concrete recommendations to improve the seed value chain, benefiting farmers and the national economy.