Introduction

Over the course of this year( 2016) Democratic Republic of the Congo( DRC)  gathered in London( United Kingdom) on the 27^th June 2016 highlighted the need to address the economics and development challenges faced by the Democratic Republic of the Congo since its independence in 1960. After a lengthy debate, it was agreed that a think tank be established under the name of the Institute of Development and Economic Reforms Congo ( IDERS) to provide innovative  ideas  through  conducting research  with a view to  propose economic policies aimed at strengthening development planning for poverty reduction.  In the context of the 21^st Century development paradigm, innovative policies become important why?  Because it will help policy makers and other stakeholders involved in the implementation of country economic and development agenda. It will help policy makers to become aware of the key issues that are of critical importance to development programming and implementation.

President of the Institute of Development and Economic Reforms (IDERS), a Think Tank from the Democratic Republic of Congo IDERS

Patrice Kandolo Kabeya is a development economist who has over ten years of experience in the field of Food security, Health, Water Sanitation (WASH), water institutions, Trade policy and Economic analysis of countries in Sub- Saharan Africa(SSA). He has widely published on economics and also managed various regional projects in these areas of development.

He has more than five years as a Professor at various universities in the United Kingdom(UK), Presently, he lecturing at Leeds Beckett University, School of Business, Department of Data Analysis, Economics and International Business, United Kingdom.

He holds a PhD in Economics and Development, University of Bradford, United Kingdom

He also gained a Master of Science Degree in Economics Development and Project Planning, University of Bradford, a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Science Research Methods, University of Bradford, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education with specialisation in Economics and Quantitative Methods, Leeds Metropolitan University, UK, and Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Sciences, University of Zambia.

He worked at the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretariat, Zambia, Division of Investment Promotion, and Private Sector. While working for COMESA, he has contributed to the New Partnership for African Development Initiatives such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development(CADD) Framework for Agricultural Development in Africa.

He also worked at British Red Cross, UK as Project Coordinator and carried out extensive research in the areas of water security, food security analysis and economic analysis of investment projects.

Throughout the carry, he has developed new policies, guidance, and training courses for policy makers, short training courses in economics, and develop capacity for Ministries of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries of the COMESA member states.

Vice President and Director of Administration and Finance of the Institute of Development and Economic Reforms (IDERS), a Think Tank from the Democratic Republic of Congo

Jean Claude Iyoma, Bachelor of art degree in Business Management, and Master’s degree in International Business Management, University of Teesside, United Kingdom.

Jean Claude Iyoma has  over 5 years of experience in the field of administration and finance. He worked for a number of Non-Governmental Organisations in the United Kingdom and in Africa. His worked mainly focused on project management and outcomes delivery, and advised businesses on how to strengthen their marketing strategies and improve their revenues.

Leon Katambwe holds a Masters in Development Studies from the University of
KwaZulu-Natal.
He is the Vice-President and the Director of Project Planning and Development
Department at the Institute of Development and Economic Reforms (IDERS), a Think
Tank from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Leon Katambwe is a Lecturer at Durban University of Technology.
He is the Author of a book titled: “Development in Practice: a reader friendly manual
for public and private development practitioners” that deals with the broad
understanding of developmental issues in South Africa.
Leon is a managing member of RANIJEGA Economic development and Investment
Pty Ltd.
Leon is Senior Development Economist at Urban-Econ in Durban South Africa dealing
with Small business development including informal trading, cooperatives and SMMEs.
As a Senior Development Economist, Leon has more than 15 years of professional
experience in the field of economic development, research and report writing,
project management, socio-economic and household survey, feasibility studies,
business plans - scope, analysis, procurement, time, cost, risk, capital budgeting, and
communication management.
On the general notes, Mr Leon Katambwe is organised and able to manage heavy
workloads to meet priorities and deadlines. He is able to work without continual
direction and he is creative in problem solving during trouble shooting. He has
extensive skills and experience and works well within a team as well as individually; he
has excellent skills on strategic interventions to unlock latent economic, development
and other positive potentials. Mr Katambwe has excellent inter-personal, client and
stakeholder engagement and leadership skills and he is excellent in running and
facilitating workshops with stakeholders.
Leon Katambwe is a member of the Southern African Research & Innovation
Management Association (SARIMA).