** The ratification of the Convention on Technical and Professional Education: an essential turning point for the Democratic Republic of Congo **
On February 10, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) crossed a crucial stage in its career towards quality education by ratifying the Convention on Technical and Professional Education. This decision, welcomed by UNESCO, calls for a deep reflection on the challenges and opportunities that this advance for the country represents and, by extension, for Africa.
Taking the path of technical and vocational education (FTE) in a country like the DRC, where the economic fabric still goes through a transition phase, could well be a powerful lever for the creation of jobs and the reduction of inequality. The figures speak for themselves: according to the report of the International Labor Organization (ILO), the unemployment rate of young people in sub-Saharan Africa borders on 30%. This highlights the need for alternative to employment, and ETP is often overlooked in the planning of educational policies.
### A ratification full of promises
UNESCO representative, Isaias Barto Da Rosa, did not fail to highlight the advantages that this ratification could offer. Access to financing and international recognition of diplomas are not only theoretical considerations: they reflect a pragmatic vision of an education system capable of competing on the world scene. Thus, the DRC becomes the sixth country to join this initiative, joining nations such as Benin and the United Arab Emirates, which have already opened the way to development through high -performance education systems.
The search for harmonization of educational systems on a regional scale could allow Congolese to pursue studies in other countries without colliding with administrative barriers. This could also stimulate the migratory flows of students and professionals, bringing with them skills that they could then put at the service of their country of origin.
### towards regional integration
Ratification also aligns with the growing need for regional integration. In a globalized world, economic challenges do not stop at the borders. The collaboration between French-speaking countries and beyond is essential to build a solid training ecosystem. By allowing cross -border initiatives, the DRC could integrate a circle of university and professional exchanges, thus promoting beneficial emulation for economic development.
## The socio -cultural impact of technical and vocational education
Another often underestimated aspect is the socio-cultural potential of technical and professional education. An inclusive education system can also become a vector for valuing trades, often relegated to the background against the more traditional academic sectors. By strengthening esteem and respect for craftsmen, technicians and other skilled workers, ratification could change the perception of manual work in Congolese society. Work has often been perceived as less prestigious, but by draping these professions of international recognition, the DRC could encourage young people to see an honorable and meaningful path.
### Towards a holistic vision of education
It is also important to consider this ratification as a first step, not as a culmination. To truly capitalize on this advantage, the Congolese government will have to invest in its educational infrastructure, train specialized teachers and establish partnerships with local businesses to align education on the needs of the labor market. A UNESCO survey indicates that 59 % of students in technical and professional training do not find a job after graduation, due to the lack of adequacy between the skills taught and those sought by employers.
### Conclusion: a construction site to build
The ratification of the Convention on Technical and Professional Education by the DRC represents only one beginning. In order for this advance to turn into a tangible reality for Congolese, a clear commitment to implementing real educational reforms is necessary. With an expected increase in demand for employability, technical and professional education could provide an essential antidote to the rise in unemployment and poverty.
From now on, it is not only a question of ratifying an agreement, but of translating it into concrete results which will transform the face of education in the DRC. By raising technical and professional training to a new dimension, the DRC will not only be able to meet the expectations of its citizens, but also take one more step towards sustainable development in a constantly evolving world.
The future is now based on the choices that will be made today and on the government’s ability to support this ambition by coherent and thoughtful actions. Fatshimetrie.org will closely follow this situation, while Africa is confronted with increasing educational challenges in the coming years.