DRC: Government adopts three legal instruments to promote youth employment

Kinshasa, June 28^th, 2026 (CPA).- The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has adopted three draft legal instruments aimed at launching the Presidential Program « Stand Up, Young Congolese« , focused on youth employment and entrepreneurship, during the Council of Ministers meeting held on Friday in Kinshasa, according to the official report consulted by CPA on Sunday. « The Minister in charge of Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Development submitted to the Council, for consideration and adoption, three draft legal instruments, including the draft Presidential Ordinance establishing the Presidential Program for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship, known as ‘Stand Up, Young Congolese’, » said Augustin Kibassa, Minister of Digital Economy, while reading the communiqué issued after the meeting chaired by the Head of State. According to the minister, the program is built around three priority pillars: vocational training, employment and equal opportunities, and entrepreneurship. Its objective is to improve youth employability and promote entrepreneurial initiatives among young Congolese. The second legal instrument adopted is the draft Presidential Ordinance establishing the National Committee responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the program. According to the Minister in charge of Entrepreneurship, as quoted in the report, the committee will be tasked with defining the national vision and strategic priorities for youth employment and entrepreneurship, setting short-, medium- and long-term objectives in line with public policies and national development plans, and guiding financing mechanisms for youth employment and entrepreneurship initiatives. The third and final legal instrument is a draft decree establishing the National Simplified Business Plan Competition (CONAPAS). The initiative seeks to provide all Congolese with opportunities to start businesses, create direct and indirect jobs, reduce unemployment and poverty, and foster the emergence of a Congolese middle class. It also aims to improve the business climate by granting tax incentives to newly established companies. « Following discussion and deliberation, the three draft legal instruments were adopted, » Minister Augustin Kibassa said. The adoption of these reforms follows recommendations made during the 2025 National Round Table on Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship, launched by President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi as part of efforts to reduce unemployment in the DRC.