Women entrepreneurs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) play a vital role in the economic survival of the country. Whether through petty trade, markets or itinerant trade, they contribute significantly to economic growth, regional development, job creation and poverty reduction. Aware of the importance of this sector, the Congolese government and civil society organizations are mobilizing to support and strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) run by women.
As part of the Support Project for the Development of Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (PADMPME), funding from UN Women has been granted to Congolese organizations such as the Congolese Women’s Consultation Framework (CAFCO) and the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Congo (AFEECO). Their objective is to raise awareness and build the capacity of traders in different markets in Kinshasa, Kongo-Central, Haut Katanga and Nord-Kivu.
The press conference organized by these organizations highlights the achievements of this project, which focuses on the reform and dissemination of legal texts in favor of women. The speakers stressed the importance of supporting the growth of SMEs and providing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities to young people and women in the different provinces of the country. To achieve this, the project combines different axes, such as support for women entrepreneurs, subsidies for young companies and the improvement of the business environment.
Members of civil society organizations highlighted the particularities of their work, particularly in terms of advocacy and raising awareness among traders on the importance of formal trade, hygiene and the cleanliness of their environment. They also emphasized the importance of complying with the laws of the country by obtaining the legal documents necessary to run their businesses, such as the Trade and Credit Register (RCCM) and national identification, as well as the license at the provincial level.
However, the speakers also highlighted the difficulties that traders face in obtaining these legal documents, pointing to the problems encountered with the “one-stop shop”. Despite these obstacles, the beneficiaries of the project expressed their gratitude to the partner organizations and asked for their continued support, stressing that they still have a lot to learn to strengthen and develop their business activities.
In conclusion, initiatives to support and strengthen women entrepreneurs in the DRC are key to fostering inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction and women’s empowerment.. By educating traders and helping them to comply with the country’s laws, these projects help create an enabling environment for sustainable economic development and gender equality. Through these joint efforts, Congolese women entrepreneurs can envision a bright and prosperous future for their businesses and communities