Kazi Job Conference Tackles Youth Unemployment and Entrepreneurship in DRC

Lubumbashi hosted the 4th Kazi Job Conference, a vital forum aimed at tackling the pervasive issue of youth unemployment and underemployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The conference, held from July 4-6, 2026, brought together stakeholders to address the "social bomb" of millions of graduates struggling to find decent work.

The event was organized by a consortium comprising Be-Smart, DFC Congo/HCDIC, and the Centre de Formation et de Reconversion Professionnelle (CFRP). It sought to promote employment and entrepreneurship, recognizing that a vast majority of the Congolese workforce, nearly 88.6%, survives in the informal sector due to a lack of formal job opportunities.

Key discussions at the conference revolved around the challenges faced by young job seekers, many of whom resort to informal means for survival. The organizers highlighted the need to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit and impart financial discipline, concepts that remain unfamiliar to many.

Experts like Alain Mputu Mola, an HR expert and coordinator at CFRP, and Joseph Mutambule, CEO of DFC Congo and HCDIC, participated in discussions. They explored the impact of the conference in fostering employment and entrepreneurship for Congolese youth, aiming to provide concrete solutions and pathways for a more stable economic future.