** Competitiveness in the service of Congolese youth: a call for union and emulation **
Kinshasa, April 9, 2025. The meeting between the young Congolese and Baby Mbuyi, president of the “Baby Mbuyi Foundation”, embodies an essential social dynamic for the development of youth in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Beyond the inspiring remarks of Mbuyi, it is crucial to look at the broader implications of this call for competitiveness, constructive criticism and divergent interactions.
### a necessary competitiveness in an unbeatable economic context
The DRC, rich in natural resources, is faced with multiple economic and social challenges that impact the potential of its youth. The unemployment rate of young people in the country amounts to around 25%, according to statistics from the International Labor Organization. In this context, the call for competitiveness becomes vital. Positioning yourself in a publicly changing company requires frequent updates to your skills and know-how. Forging an entourage fueling emulation and intellectual debate is not only relevant, but also essential to better understand the dynamics of the labor market.
### The power of contradiction
Mbuyi highlights the importance of rubbing shoulders with people who stimulate critical thinking. This idea can be supported by psychological studies which demonstrate that interactions with individuals with divergent opinions reinforce cognitive capacities. Indeed, the rise of critical thinking promotes innovation, a crucial factor for any development nation. By encouraging young people to dialogue with those who do not hesitate to challenge their opinions, Mbuyi manifests a desire to see more seasoned spirits emerge, capable of navigating in a complex world.
### Building fulfilling relationships
Mbuyi evokes two types of interpersonal relationships: those that expose the weaknesses and those that accentuate them. This dichotomy underlines a universal truth: our entourage often determines our trajectory. Research in social psychology claims that a positive social network contributes to individual performance. In opposition to those who flattered without discernment, the “benevolent censors” – a term that we could take to designate those who criticize constructively – act as catalysts of progression. This raises a crucial question for young Congolese: how to assess and select the members of their social circle in a society where negative influences abound?
### The strength of unity
Unity, mentioned by Mbuyi, is a fundamental call for solidarity which could transcend origins, socio-economic rankings or political differences. By testifying to membership in this cohesion, young Congolese could potentially transform the divisions that cross society into a strategic asset for development. The example of young movements in Africa, such as “Y’en is fed up” in Senegal or the “citizen broom” in Burkina Faso, shows that young people around a common objective can cause a radical change.
### Towards a collective momentum: the commitment of young Congolese
In order for the call for competitiveness to Mbuyi is not a simple wish, the implementation must go through concrete initiatives. The creation of debate spaces, incubators of ideas and mentorship programs could offer opportunities so that young people engage in large -scale projects. In addition, the support of political and economic actors is essential to enrich this fertile ground.
### Conclusion
In a country like the DRC, where youth represents a phenomenal demographic potential, enhancing competitiveness and the exchange of ideas is a promising path to an economic and social rebirth. Thanks to inspiring leaders such as Baby Mbuyi, the voice of youth is heard, calling for a collective awakening for the emergence of the country’s talents. However, this call must be followed by concrete acts, a reciprocal commitment and a common effort to build not only a better future, but also a more dynamic and inclusive present. It is in this union, which values diversity as much as complementarity, that the hope of the DRC can truly flower.