Women entrepreneurs in Congolese markets: Vital support for economic growth
Congolese markets are the place of economic survival for many populations, where men and women engage in small business to meet their needs. Faced with this reality, the government is mobilizing to support the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector. In particular, women entrepreneurs play a vital role in sustainable development, gender equality and environmental sustainability.
As part of the “Support Project for the Development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises” (PADMPME), Congolese civil society organizations benefited from funding from UN-Women to raise awareness among traders in Kinshasa markets , Kongo-Central, Haut Katanga and North Kivu. Members of the Congolese Women’s Consultation Framework (CAFCO) and the Association of Congolese Women Entrepreneurs (AFEECO) carried out activities on the ground to strengthen the capacities of sellers.
The objective of this project is to support the growth of SMEs and increase employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people and women. SMEs play a crucial role in job creation and poverty reduction, thereby contributing to inclusive economic growth and regional development. They also promote gender equality by providing more economic opportunities for women.
Activities carried out by civil society organizations have provided knowledge to sellers in Congolese markets. They learned advocacy techniques, state requirements for formal business, and the importance of maintaining a clean environment for their own health. The speakers highlighted that the project extends over two years and aims to strengthen the capacities of sellers to comply with the country’s laws, such as obtaining the Trade and Securities Register (RCCM) and national identification.
However, they also deplored the difficulties encountered with the “one-stop shop” responsible for issuing the necessary legal documents to sellers. Despite this, the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the partnership and stressed the importance of continuing to benefit from this support to develop their business activities.
It is essential to emphasize that the project also involved traditional authorities, such as customary chiefs, in order to promote the commercial activities of women entrepreneurs. This approach aims to overcome social stereotypes and support the empowerment of women in the economic sector.
In conclusion, support for women entrepreneurs in Congolese markets is of paramount importance for the country’s economic growth.. SMEs play a key role in job creation and poverty reduction, thereby providing economic opportunities for women and contributing to gender equality. Thanks to initiatives led by civil society organizations and funding from UN-Women, sellers in Congolese markets are better equipped to face the challenges of formal trade and to prosper in their economic activities.