DRC: Postponement of a planned meeting between the artisans and the Minister in charge of SMEs

Kinshasa, December 14^th, 2025 (CPA). – The meeting between the artisans of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Minister in charge of Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), scheduled for Saturday, December 13^th, 2025, has been postponed to the week of December 15^th to 21^st in Kinshasa, the country’s capital, according to a statement from the ministry received on Saturday by CPA.  «The office of His Excellency the Minister in charge of Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises Development regrets to inform Congolese artisans that their meeting with the minister, initially scheduled for Saturday, December 13^th, 2025, at the Cultural and Artistic Centre for Central African Countries, has been rescheduled for the week of December 15^th to 21^st, 2025. The exact date will be communicated to them shortly, » it is read in the statement. According to this official document, this postponement is due to institutional requirements beyond the minister’s control. Aware of the importance of this exchange for stakeholders in the craft sector, the minister’s office has specified that the postponement is intended to ensure a more relaxed, better organized, and fully conducive environment for the anticipated discussions. The minister has apologized for any inconvenience caused. He has also expressed his deep gratitude to all artisans for their understanding, patience, and on-going commitment to the country’s economic and cultural development. According to the number one of the entrepreneurship, this meeting remains a key step in promoting Congolese crafts, a sector whose creativity, resilience, and contribution to the national economy continue to be praised. The ministry has reaffirmed its determination to work hand in hand with artisans to promote their talents, strengthen their capacities, and support their initiatives. Pending the announcement of the new date, the cabinet has asked artisans to be patient and to welcome this slight adjustment with confidence. The goal remains unchanged: to build constructive dialogue and prepare concrete actions to support sustainable Congolese crafts.