The opening ceremonies for the first issue of the Economik Journal of the Club Economique du Kivu (CEK) of students from the Catholic University of Bukavu (UCB) for the year 2020 were held at Bugabo Campus. Chaired by Prof. Kanigula Mubagwa, Rector of UCB; these activities, in which many students participated, took place in the Center of Excellence on this Monday, 10 February 2020.

CEK is a scientific platform for Economics students founded in 2011 with a formative, informative and self-formative aim. The Economik journal with a semi-annual publication consists of contributions in terms of scientific research carried out by students under the supervision of the teaching staff. Nine years after its creation, the CEK continues to materialize its vision of promoting economic science, through its multiple initiatives of which the journal is one of the aspects, mentioned the editor.

Five points are developed on ninety pages printed in A5 format, making it easier for fans of scientific reading. These are: Education and Informal Entrepreneurship in DR Congo; Analysis of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in DR Congo, application of VAR modeling; Diversification of informal practices and income in cross-border trade, an instrumental regression approach; Monetary poverty, multidimensional poverty and Inequality, application of the measure to households in peripheral areas of the Nyalukemba district; Organizational reputation of Higher and University Education Institutions in the city of Bukavu.

Painting the questions inherent in the economy of Kivu, hence the name “Econimik”; the topics developed by the students orient themselves in the quest for solutions for the well-being of the population. Mr Cibalonza Arnold, a first year bachelor student in Financial Management, demonstrated in his presentation the negative role that education plays in informal entrepreneurship. Mr. Dunia Arsène, a second year bachelor student in Rural Economics has established a positive relationship between the diversification of informal practices and the income of traders who use them. Mr Bashige Paterne and Mr Musimwa Gentil, respectively a second year bachelor student in Rural Economics and assistant at the Faculty of Economics, analyzed the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the economic performance of DR Congo. They concluded that FDI can only contribute to growth if an enabling institutional environment is put in place.

These articles, far from asserting themselves as the reference in the economic field in Kivu, constitute a significant contribution to the doctrine. Other researchers are also invited to complete them or to scientifically provide a contrary thesis. Light comes from the clash of idea.

By carrying the journal on the baptismal font, Professor Kanigula Mubagwa wished a bright future for the journal. He urged CEK members to be inspirational to their colleagues and ambassadors of the University across the scientific community. When it was created, the University decided to provide answers to problems in the region. The Economy is one of the key sectors where research must inform political and administrative decisions.