The role of women traders in the markets of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is essential for the survival of the Congolese populations. They often carry out petty trade at the door of their plots, in the markets and even on the move. Faced with this reality, the government has identified the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector as strategic, as it contributes significantly to economic growth, regional development, job creation and poverty reduction. .
To support this growth and create more opportunities for women entrepreneurs, Congolese civil society organizations, such as the Cadre de Concertation de la Femme Congolaise (CAFCO) and the Association des Femmes Entrepreneurs du Congo (AFEECO), have received funding from UN Women. These organizations carried out field activities aimed at building the capacity of vendors in different markets in Kinshasa, Kongo-Central, Haut Katanga and Nord-Kivu. As part of the support project for the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (PADMPME), these civil society actors have, in particular, made traders aware of the State’s requirements in terms of formal trade, advocacy techniques and the importance of maintaining a clean environment to preserve their good health.
The project aims to support the growth of SMEs and increase employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people and women, particularly in certain provinces. It includes several components, such as supporting entrepreneurship opportunities for youth and women, SME development, and capacity building and project management.
Speakers at the press conference highlighted the importance of involving traditional authorities, such as customary chiefs, in promoting the business activities of women and young traders. They also shared the expectations of vendors in terms of financial support, but stressed that civil society organizations have provided them with techniques and advocacy mechanisms so that they can defend their interests before the country’s authorities.
However, the speakers also deplored the difficulties encountered with the one-stop shop in charge of allocating to the sellers the legal documents necessary to be in order with the laws of the country. Despite this, raising awareness and popularizing legal texts have motivated sellers to comply with the State by obtaining the Register of Commerce and Personal Property Credit (RCCM), national identification and the provincial license.
Grantees expressed gratitude to civil society organizations and expressed the need for continued support as they still have a lot to learn. The participation of Congolese women traders in markets remains essential for inclusive economic growth, regional development and poverty reduction. Thanks to initiatives such as PADMPME, these women can strengthen their capacities, access better economic opportunities and contribute to the equitable development of Congolese society