** Kinshasa, a turning point for the Congolese middle class? **
On April 10, 2025, the appointment of Gisèle Kayembe to the presidency of the Board of Directors of the Agency for the promotion of Congolese middle classes (APROCM) aroused various reactions within public opinion. This event, presented by the Patriots’ Patriotes Participation Party for Development (APEC), marks an interesting step in the development of the middle classes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). But how will this appointment really influence the economic and social dynamics of the country?
The moral values set out by Dominique Unyone, secretary general of the APEC, present an ideal framework for Ms. Kayembe’s mission at the head of the aprocm. Patriotism, integrity, the obligation of results and meritocracy are pillars that challenge political actors not only, but also civil society and the general population. Adherence to these values could be a common thread to strengthen the agency’s legitimacy and enhance its image, often tarnished by questionable practices in various sectors.
However, meritocracy, although highlighted as a reality, raises questions about how it is applied in the Congolese context. Are the competence and efficiency of leaders the only criteria of success in the DRC? Traditional political dynamics, often marked by clientelism and favoritism, can indeed hinder a real practice of meritocracy. Ms. Kayembe’s ability to sail in these troubled waters will be crucial to achieve the ambitious objectives of the agency.
The vision of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo to develop the middle class has undeniable advantages. This population segment is often perceived as an engine of economic growth, capable of stimulating consumption and providing social stability. However, for this middle class to prosper, significant investments in education, vocational training and access to adequate funding will be necessary.
The APROCM mission, articulated around the identification, classification and promotion of Congolese middle classes, is of strategic importance to achieve these objectives. The agency has a key role to play in defining what the middle class is in the DRC and how to support its development. This implies not only concrete actions in the field, but also attention paid to governance, the transparency of operations, as well as the implementation of an ecosystem favorable to the small and average business.
It is also crucial to consider the possible impact of Ms. Kayembe’s appointment at the local and national level. The dynamics of the aprocm could potentially create considerable expectations within the middle classes, encouraging them to organize, to claim better economic and social conditions and to participate more actively in the political process. This participation could strengthen democracy, but also generate tensions if expectations are not satisfied.
It is also advisable to question the real scope of Apec’s commitment and, by extension, the aprocm. The presentation of the civilities by Ms. Kayembe to the leadership of the party seems, at first glance, a gesture of political allegiance. This link between institutions and political parties can promote a coherent implementation of the vision, but it can also affect the autonomy of the agency if economic decisions are influenced by political considerations.
In conclusion, while the appointment of Gisèle Kayembe at the head of the aprocm could augur a renewal for the middle classes in the DRC, the challenges are numerous. The commitment to the four values morally defended by APEC will be closely monitored, both by citizens and by international observers. The way to take to ensure sustainable and inclusive development will require concerted efforts, but also a vigilance in the face of the potential threats that weigh on the orientation of the agency. The situation deserves to be followed carefully in the coming months to appreciate its impact on the whole of Congolese society and, ultimately, on the development of the country.