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🇨🇩 DR Congo /Economy & Trade

Artisanal Brickmaking Drives Boma’s Local Economy

From Radio Okapi · () French

Translated from French and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Artisanal production and sale of fired bricks provide livelihoods for many young people in KM 3, Boma, in Kongo-Central province.
  • Workers say the activity offers an alternative to unemployment and helps them pay for education and support their families.
  • Local brickmakers are asking authorities for material assistance to increase production.

In Boma’s KM 3 neighborhood, fired bricks have become a livelihood for many young people and a visible part of the local economy.

The area is regarded as the city’s main center for brickmaking. Artisans produce and sell bricks, creating work in a place where formal employment is scarce. Their activity provides an alternative to unemployment and contributes to the economic life of Boma.

Daniel Nkiama said production takes place each year during the dry season. “Every year, during the dry season, we produce bricks here. Since there are no jobs, instead of going to steal, we earn a little money here in our neighborhood.”

Every year, during the dry season, we produce bricks here. Since there are no jobs, instead of going to steal, we earn a little money here in our neighborhood.

— Daniel NkiamaHe described brickmaking as a livelihood and an alternative to unemployment in KM 3.

For Célestin Bilonji, the income has supported both education and family responsibilities. “This work helps me with many things. It has allowed me to pay for my studies and provide for my child, who is now two years old, without difficulty. Thanks to this work, I envy no one, because there is no point.”

Despite what they describe as satisfactory results, local entrepreneurs want to expand. They are calling on the authorities to provide suitable equipment and other material support so they can raise production capacity.

This work helps me with many things. It has allowed me to pay for my studies and provide for my child, who is now two years old, without difficulty. Thanks to this work, I envy no one, because there is no point.

— Célestin BilonjiHe explained how brickmaking has helped him fund his education and support his child.
About this summary

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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