Launch of the construction works of the “Musala” trades center in Mombele, Kinshasa
The Mombele district, located in the commune of Gombe in Kinshasa, was the site of a major event on Thursday. The President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi, launched the construction works of the city of trades called “Musala”, in the presence of many personalities.
This ambitious project is entirely financed by the Belgian embassy in Kinshasa, through the Belgian development agency ENABEL. The “Musala” trades center will be erected within the agricultural institution of Mombele.
The objective of this training center is to prepare the professional future of the Congolese population, and more particularly the youth. As part of the “Kin emploi” project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Vocational Training and Trades, this program aims to support nearly 5,000 young people from Kinshasa by 2025, including 2,500 towards employability.
The “Musala” trades center will offer several sectors, with a main focus on food processing, agribusiness and digital learning dedicated to agricultural promotion. It will also be adapted to the specific needs of the city of Kinshasa.
This project is part of a broader vision of the Ministry of Vocational Training and Trades, which provides for the creation of four other cities of trades in the different linguistic areas of the DRC.
The estimated cost of the “Kin emploi” project and the “Musala” resource center amounts to 10,000,000 euros. This project represents hope for Congolese youth, with the aim of reducing the unemployment rate among young people aged 15 to 25, 50% of whom are women.
The choice of the Mombele district for the establishment of this city of trades is all the more significant and historic. Indeed, it is on this site that was erected since 1959 the short cycle school for agricultural instructors, financed by the Kingdom of Belgium.
The Minister of Vocational Training and Trades, Antoinette Kipulu, expressed her gratitude to President Félix Tshisekedi for his support for this initiative, which illustrates his vision and personal commitment to reducing unemployment, promoting Congolese entrepreneurship as well as developing sectors with high added value and job creation for young people.
The Belgian Ambassador to the DRC, Johan Indekeu, underlined that this project aligns perfectly with President Félix Tshisekedi’s vision to enhance the potential of Congolese youth. It echoes the 2023-2027 bilateral program signed between Belgium and the DRC in December 2022.
The construction of the “Musala” trades center in Mombele therefore represents a major turning point for the professional future of young Congolese.. This project will train and support the new generation in their journey towards employability and entrepreneurship, thus contributing to the economic and social development of the country