The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has launched a new joint initiative with the United Nations and the World Bank to strengthen social protection systems and expand access to decent work, particularly for young people, women and vulnerable groups. The project was officially introduced on 16 March in Kinshasa as part of broader efforts to address employment challenges and reduce poverty in the country.
Funded by the Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund, the programme aims to build stronger links between non-contributory and contributory social protection schemes, expand their coverage and improve skills development and employment policies. By supporting people at risk of economic insecurity, the initiative seeks to create more stable, productive and sustainable opportunities across the country.
The project aligns with the government’s priorities on job creation, human capital development and poverty reduction, as outlined in the National Strategic Development Plan for 2024–2028. Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya, Minister of State and Minister of Planning and Coordination for Development, described the initiative as an important step toward inclusive growth and the creation of new opportunities for young people.
Currently, nearly 86 percent of jobs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are in the informal economy, while only about 5 percent of the population benefits from social protection schemes, mainly those working in the formal sector. As a result, many young people, women and vulnerable populations face significant barriers in accessing relevant skills, adequate protection systems and sustainable economic opportunities.
The initiative is led by the Ministry of Planning and Coordination of Development Aid under the coordination of the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator. Technical support is being provided by the International Labour Organization, the UNICEF and the World Bank. Through coordinated actions, partners will focus on improving employability, expanding economic opportunities and extending social protection coverage.
At the centre of the project is a pilot programme that will directly benefit 1,500 young people, with at least 40 percent of participants being women. The programme combines skills training, entrepreneurship support and access to social security. In addition, it aims to strengthen the capacity of national institutions and improve coordination between social protection, skills development and employment systems to ensure long-term and large-scale impact.
Through this initiative, the government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with national and international partners to accelerate progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the country, Nteba Soumano, Director of the International Labour Office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reiterated the UN system’s commitment to supporting coordinated implementation and reducing fragmentation in employment and social protection efforts.
