A new era for vocational training begins in Kinshasa, more precisely in the Mombele district of the commune of Gombe. Indeed, the President of the Republic Félix Tshisekedi officially launched the construction works of the city of trades called “MUSALA”. This project, entirely financed by the Belgian Embassy in Kinshasa, aims to prepare the professional future of the Congolese population, in particular the youth.
The Minister of Vocational Training and Trades, Ms. Antoinette Kipulu, welcomed the initiative of the Head of State, stressing the importance of this project within the framework of the “Kin emploi” program. This program, carried out in collaboration with the ministry, aims to support the development of employability and entrepreneurship in Kinshasa. The objective is to support nearly 5,000 young people from Kinshasa, including 2,500 in the field of employability by 2025.
The Cité des Métiers in Mombele, which will be the first center of this international label in the Democratic Republic of Congo, will offer training in various sectors such as processing, agri-food and digital learning dedicated to agricultural promotion. Other courses will also be offered according to the specific needs of the city of Kinshasa.
This city of trades, the cost of which is estimated at 10,000,000 euros, is a concrete response to the problem of youth unemployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Indeed, nearly 50% of young people aged 15 to 25 are affected by unemployment, and this project aims to reverse this trend by offering training and employment opportunities.
The choice of the Mombele district for the construction of the city of trades is not insignificant. Historically, this is where the short cycle school for agricultural instructors was located since 1959, financed by the Kingdom of Belgium. Today, this strategic site, located at the meeting of four municipalities, faces many social challenges such as alcoholism, drugs, prostitution, and banditry. The city of trades will therefore be a lever of development and stability for the population.
This advanced vocational training project benefits from the financial support of the Belgian Embassy in the DRC, in accordance with President Félix Tshisekedi’s vision of enhancing the potential of Congolese youth. It is also part of the 2023-2027 bilateral program between Belgium and the DRC, which emphasizes the socio-economic development of the country.
In conclusion, the “MUSALA” trades center in Mombele represents a real opportunity for Congolese youth in search of jobs and quality vocational training. This project, funded by the Belgian Embassy, will help reduce the youth unemployment rate and promote entrepreneurship by offering opportunities in high value-added sectors.. The vision of President Félix Tshisekedi and his personal commitment to the fight against unemployment are thus concretized in this city of trades, which opens the doors to the professional future for Congolese youth