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🇨🇩 DR Congo /Economy & Trade

School supplies struggle to sell in Kindu amid unpaid wages

From Radio Okapi · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • School supply sales are slow in Kindu, Democratic Republic of Congo, two weeks before the Sept. 1 start date.
  • Vendors report lower sales than last year due to widespread financial difficulties, including unpaid wages for state employees like teachers.
  • Parents are delaying purchases, considering reusing old supplies, and struggling with private school fees, straining budgets.

In Kindu, the central market in the Maniema province is experiencing a quiet back-to-school season. With the academic year set to begin on September 1, 2026, parents are scarce among the stalls piled high with backpacks, notebooks, and uniforms. Vendors are using megaphones to attract customers, but the commercial buzz is notably subdued compared to the previous year.

Sacred, notebooks and uniforms are available, but parents are still rare in the stalls.

— Radio Okapi reporterDescribing the low turnout at the school supply market in Kindu.

Local sources indicate that many state employees, particularly teachers, are facing salary arrears of up to two months. This financial strain significantly impacts their ability to prepare for their children's return to school. Adding to the burden, the prices of some school supplies have increased. A single backpack can cost up to 50,000 Congolese francs, approximately $42 USD, at the Kindu central market.

The commercial atmosphere remains less lively than last year.

— VendorsCommenting on the current sales of school supplies.

Many parents are currently limited to browsing and identifying items, waiting for the necessary funds to make purchases. Some households are contemplating reusing last year's supplies and uniforms to cut costs. The financial pressure is further compounded by confirmation and enrollment fees demanded by some private schools, adding to the pre-September budget crunch.

A school bag can notably sell for up to 50,000 Congolese francs (around 42 USD) at the central market of Kindu.

— Local sourcesIndicating the high price of school supplies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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