** Social protection strategy in the DRC: towards an empowerment of marginalized populations? **
On May 13, 2025, in Kinshasa, a significant event took place in the field of social affairs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Minister of Social Affairs, Nathalie Aziza Munana, opened a validation workshop for the national strategy for non-contributory social protection for the period 2025-2029. This moment is part of a context where the need for a solid framework to send the problems of vulnerability and poverty is more urgent than ever.
At the heart of Ms. Munana’s statements is a conviction shared by many experts: social protection programs have the potential to transform the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable. It underlines the importance of these initiatives to strengthen human capital and promote the social integration of marginalized populations, especially in a country where poverty affects a significant part of the population.
** The challenges of the implementation **
However, although the Congolese government’s commitment is undeniable, several challenges remain. The Minister spoke of the need to translate the political will into concrete actions, involving the creation of appropriate laws, programs and budgets. This raises a crucial question: to what extent will the financial and human resources necessary for the implementation of this strategy will be mobilized?
The intervention of Aly Sanoh, representative of the World Bank, supports this concern. With only 10% of the population benefiting from formal social security programs, it is clear that the majority of Congolese remain exposed to economic vulnerabilities. The implementation of this strategy could be a step towards a more inclusive social protection system, but this requires careful planning and rigorous monitoring to avoid the “sprinkling” of efforts, which, according to the minister, could negatively impact the effectiveness of the measures put in place.
** A need for inclusiveness and resilience **
The introduction of this strategy is not intended only to strengthen social protection, but also to build solid foundations for the empowerment of young people, women and displaced, groups often left behind in development policies. The need to offer them a favorable framework for building a better future raises the question of access to economic opportunities, education, and vocational training.
It is essential to wonder how these initiatives will really be able to meet the expectations of these groups. Youth, for example, faces considerable challenges, including unemployment and access to decent jobs. Efforts to improve the level of employability of young people must therefore be at the heart of the concerns of decision -makers.
** A long -term vision **
The Minister Munana’s declaration that “the path to go is dotted with challenges” pushes us to consider a realistic approach to the implementation of this strategy. Let us realize that the success of such an initiative will depend not only on the analysis of current needs, but also on the ability to anticipate context changes, whether economic, social or environmental.
To conclude, the validation of the national social protection strategy in the DRC represents a pivotal moment. It will have to be accompanied by a commitment collectively shared by all stakeholders: government, non -governmental organizations, private actors and local communities. What synergies could we develop to support the most vulnerable populations? How to guarantee permanence in commitment, beyond the political considerations of the moment? These questions are essential to build a future where each Congolese would have the opportunity to live with dignity and contribute positively to society.