### Evaluation of the project transforms: a turning point for female entrepreneurship in the Democratic Republic of Congo
On May 20, 2025, a press release from the World Bank announced a field visit aimed at assessing the beneficiaries of the project, initiated to strengthen female entrepreneurship and the development of SMEs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This project, focused on the empowerment of women and improving economic conditions, is intended to be a significant lever in a country where entrepreneurial potential remains under-exploited.
#### Context and objectives of the project transforms
The DRC, rich in natural resources, faces many economic challenges, including the high unemployment rate among young people and gender inequalities in the economic field. The transforming project is part of a broader framework of sustainable development, not only to support the economy, but also to combat poverty and to increase gender equality. The targeted areas, such as Kinshasa, Matadi, Bukavu, Goma, Bunia, Mbuji-Mayi and Kananga, were chosen because of their socio-economic particularities.
The main objective of the project is to improve growth and promote job creation within micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MPME), by putting particular emphasis on initiatives led by women. This approach aims to fight economic exclusion and to create an environment conducive to economic development.
#### Importance of the field visit
The mission of the World Bank which started on May 12, 2025 is a crucial step to measure the concrete impact of the project. The field visit, scheduled to meet the beneficiaries and understand their daily challenges, illustrates the World Bank’s commitment to guarantee an effective implementation of the scheduled actions. This type of evaluation is essential, not only to adapt interventions, but also to ensure transparency and responsibility for investments made.
The exchanges provided between the technical teams of the World Bank, the unit coordination of the project and the companies responsible for its implementation are also a privileged opportunity to initiate a constructive dialogue. This makes it possible to collect direct feedback from beneficiaries on the relevance of the programs implemented.
#### Reflection on issues and challenges
Despite the commendable intentions of the project, several questions deserve to be asked. How to ensure that resources actually reach women entrepreneurs in priority areas? What are the cultural or structural barriers that these women meet in their entrepreneurial journey? Are the initiatives supported by the project in line with the real needs of the local market?
Discrimination against women in the business world, in particular in terms of access to financing or training, remain worrying issues. An in -depth understanding of the realities with which the beneficiaries are faced could enrich the discussions on the necessary adjustments to provide to the current interventions.
### towards sustainable empowerment
The eradication of systemic obstacles and the promotion of an environment conducive to business for women require a holistic approach, integrating both favorable public policies and private initiatives. The sustainability of the actions undertaken and their long -term impact will also depend on the capacity of local actors to appropriate these changes.
The results of this field visit and the answers to these questions will therefore be decisive not only for the future of the project transforms, but also for the sustainability of female entrepreneurship in the DRC. Fostering a synergy between local initiatives, international support and government policies could prove to be the key to opening doors to a more equitable and prosperous future.
### Conclusion
The transform project represents a note of hope within a complex economic landscape. Through a rigorous evaluation of its impacts and beneficiaries, the World Bank has the opportunity to model solutions adapted to the various needs of female entrepreneurship in the DRC. The road to an effective empowerment of women entrepreneurs is strewn with pitfalls, but the efforts made within this project could help build solid foundations for real economic transformation. By promoting an open dialogue and active cooperation, it is possible to move towards sustainable and inclusive solutions.