Fatshimetrie: Diving into the informal economy in the DRC
The informal economy is an essential pillar of the Congolese economy, with a multitude of actors who play a crucial role in the social and economic fabric of the country. Among them are artisanal miners, motorcyclists, drivers, small traders, mechanics, hairdressers, and many others. These workers, often invisible to the administration, represent an essential link in Congolese society, contributing significantly to the development of the country.
However, despite their importance, these actors in the informal economy do not benefit from the social protection measures provided for by law. Indeed, Congolese law provides for a provision relating to the affiliation of voluntary insured persons, which would allow these workers to benefit from adequate social coverage. However, this provision is not yet fully implemented, in particular due to the lack of a ministerial decree specifying the modalities of its implementation.
It is in this context that the INSPIR DRC Network, supported by ENABEL (Belgian Development Agency), launched a project aimed at raising awareness among informal economy stakeholders about this legal provision. Through a popularization campaign conducted in three cities in the DRC – Kinshasa, Kolwezi, and Lubumbashi – the network’s experts sought to inform and mobilize informal workers around this essential issue.
As part of this project, working sessions were organized in collaboration with the CNSS (National Social Security Fund), in order to better understand the issues related to the affiliation of voluntary insured persons. These discussions highlighted the obstacles to the application of this provision, while emphasizing the importance of strengthening the social protection of informal workers in the DRC.
In parallel with these awareness-raising actions, the INSPIR Network launched a signature collection campaign, aimed at supporting a memorandum calling on the competent authorities to take the necessary measures to guarantee the effective application of the law on the affiliation of voluntary insured persons. This citizen mobilization aims to make the voice of informal workers heard and to promote better consideration of their rights and needs.
Beyond these concrete actions, it is important to emphasize the crucial importance of social protection for all workers, whether formal or informal. By guaranteeing equitable access to health care, retirement, and other social benefits, social protection contributes to strengthening social cohesion and promoting the well-being of the entire Congolese society..
In short, the issue of the affiliation of voluntary insured persons in the informal economy in the DRC is at the heart of development and social justice issues. It is essential to guarantee all workers, regardless of their status, access to adequate social protection, with a view to building a more just and inclusive society for all.