DRC Launches Social Protection and Jobs Initiative Targeting Informal Economy

The project aligns with the DRC’s National Strategic Development Plan (PNSD 2024–2028), which prioritizes job creation, poverty reduction, and human capital development.

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in partnership with the United Nations and the World Bank, has launched a new joint programme aimed at strengthening social protection systems and expanding access to decent work, as the country grapples with widespread informality and limited social coverage.

The initiative, unveiled on 16 March 2026 in Kinshasa, is funded by the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund and is designed to bridge critical gaps between social protection, skills development, and employment systems.

Tackling Informality and Limited Social Coverage

The programme comes against a stark backdrop:

• 86% of jobs in the DRC are in the informal economy

• Only 5% of the population benefits from social protection schemes

This imbalance leaves millions—particularly young people, women, and vulnerable groups—without access to stable employment, income security, or essential social services.

The new initiative aims to address these structural challenges by linking non-contributory and contributory social protection systems, expanding coverage, and improving pathways into formal and productive employment.

A Coordinated Approach to Jobs and Social Protection

The programme is anchored in a multi-partner framework, combining policy reform, capacity building, and targeted interventions.

Key objectives include:

• Expanding social protection coverage beyond the formal sector

• Enhancing skills development and employability programmes

• Improving access to sustainable economic opportunities

• Strengthening coordination between employment, training, and social protection systems

The project aligns with the DRC’s National Strategic Development Plan (PNSD 2024–2028), which prioritizes job creation, poverty reduction, and human capital development.

“This initiative represents an important step in promoting inclusive growth and creating more opportunities for our young people,” said Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya, Minister of State for Planning and Development Coordination.

Direct Support for Youth and Women

At the heart of the initiative is a pilot programme targeting 1,500 young people, with a strong focus on inclusion:

• At least 40% of beneficiaries will be women

• Participants will receive skills training, entrepreneurship support, and access to social security mechanisms

The integrated approach is designed to help beneficiaries transition from precarious livelihoods into more stable, productive, and sustainable employment.

Strengthening Institutions for Long-Term Impact

Beyond direct support, the programme aims to deliver system-wide improvements by:

• Building capacity of national institutions

• Enhancing coordination between government agencies and partners

• Reducing fragmentation in employment and social protection systems

The initiative is led by the Ministry of Planning and Coordination of Development Aid, under the coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, with technical support from:

• International Labour Organization (ILO)

• UNICEF

• World Bank

A Unified Push Toward the SDGs

The project reflects a broader effort to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction, decent work, and social inclusion.

Speaking on behalf of the UN system, Nteba Soumano, Director of the ILO Office in the DRC, emphasized the importance of coordinated action:

“The United Nations system remains committed to supporting the Government to ensure better coordination of partner interventions and reduce fragmentation in employment and social protection.”

Building a More Inclusive Economy

By integrating social protection with employment strategies, the initiative seeks to create a more inclusive and resilient economic model—one that extends beyond formal workers to reach those in vulnerable and informal conditions.

If successfully scaled, the programme could serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges, demonstrating how coordinated, multi-partner approaches can transform labour markets and expand social protection in low-coverage environments.