Kinshasa, October 14, 2024 – The courageous initiative of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to establish free primary and secondary education was recently praised by the World Bank. During a meeting with a delegation from this financial institution, President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi received praise for the progress made in implementing this bold education policy.
World Bank Managing Director Anna Bjerde said she was impressed by the reforms underway in the DRC to ensure access to basic education for all. She stressed that the success of free education is an inspiring example for other countries.
Beyond the issue of education, discussions between the President and the World Bank delegation also addressed the security situation in the east of the country. Ms. Bjerde highlighted the importance of humanitarian support in this region facing persistent challenges, and stressed the role that the World Bank can play in strengthening the resilience of local populations.
In parallel, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa also met with the World Bank delegation to discuss the acceleration of ongoing projects in the DRC. A fruitful partnership was discussed, with projects representing significant investments in various key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and youth employment.
Emphasis was placed on the need to boost the Congolese economy in order to stimulate job creation and foster sustainable and inclusive development. The Congolese authorities committed to working closely with the World Bank to maximize the impact of investments and accelerate the implementation of major ongoing projects.
In conclusion, this recognition by the World Bank is a testament to the crucial role of education and economic development in building a prosperous future for the DRC. Strategic partnerships between the Congolese government and international institutions are essential to address the complex challenges facing the country and pave the way for a brighter future for all its citizens.