Kinshasa, November 5th, 2025 (CPA) – Vocational training and capacity building in the agri-food sector were requested on Wednesday by an entrepreneur in order to support project leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the CPA learned during an interview in Kinshasa, the country’s capital.
‘For the agri-food sector to become a real lever for job and income creation for Congolese youth, the state must provide ongoing training to equip young people with the skills they need to process, preserve and market processed agricultural products,’ said Mr Kisumu, a local entrepreneur. He added that this training must be practical and tailored to enable young people to acquire the technical and entrepreneurial skills essential for success in this field. ‘Institutional support remains essential in all cases. That is why the authorities should facilitate access to finance, in particular through agricultural loans, subsidies and tax breaks to support local production,’ he said. He also recommended that entrepreneurs ensure good management, knowledge of the target market and continuous production to guarantee profitability. Mr. Kisumu also emphasized the need for a clear regulatory framework to guarantee the quality and traceability of processed products. ‘Appropriate regulation would encourage investment and help to better structure the market, while protecting consumers,’ he said. According to him, ‘agri-food products such as flour, juices, dairy products, honey and preserves are everyday consumer goods that ensure a steady cash flow.’ The entrepreneur also pointed out that basic infrastructure, particularly rural roads, energy, water and storage facilities, are priorities for improving the value chain and strengthening the competitiveness of Congolese products. He mentioned the possibility for young people to obtain regular supply contracts with supermarkets, hotels, schools and restaurants, which would guarantee stable incomes and greater financial security. ‘Promoting agri-food among young Congolese people represents a strategic opportunity to diversify the national economy and reduce unemployment, provided there is greater commitment from the state in terms of training, mentoring and financing,’ he concluded. ACP/