DRC Public and Private Sectors Pledge to Boost Youth Employment Through Skills and Innovation

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a renewed pledge has been made by both government and non-state actors to boost youth employment opportunities. This commitment, articulated during the national celebration of World Youth Skills and Entrepreneurship Day in Kinshasa, centers on strengthening vocational training, fostering innovation, and encouraging entrepreneurship.

The day, observed under the theme "Professionalizing Trades, Building the Future" and the slogan "Train, Innovate, Integrate," served as a platform to discuss mechanisms for improving young Congolese citizens' access to innovative jobs and entrepreneurial ventures. Established eleven years ago by the United Nations, the day highlights the crucial role of education and technical-vocational training in improving access to employment and entrepreneurship.

Participants emphasized the need to develop skills that align with current labor market demands, aiming to make vocational training a significant driver of economic and social development. With support from the Belgian international cooperation agency Enabel and other partners, the government intends to enhance training programs to meet the growing needs of businesses and innovative sectors.

Despite progress, experts and analysts point to persistent challenges. They stress the necessity of structural reforms to sustainably improve youth employability. Key priorities include aligning the national education system with real market needs, ensuring training programs focus on skills sought by the private sector, particularly in technical, digital, and industrial fields. Improving the business climate to stimulate job-creating investments and providing enhanced support for young entrepreneurs are also highlighted as crucial steps.

Given the DRC's predominantly young population, stakeholders called for increased mobilization of all public, private, and development partners to transform this demographic potential into a genuine engine for growth and innovation.

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We want to make skills a driver of employability, entrepreneurship, and the country's economic growth.