Democratizing development in the DRC
young people’s aspirations take center stage in democratic republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched a campaign to place young people at the heart of its development strategy, with a focus on creating opportunities for them to contribute to the country’s future.
confronting structural barriers
A new report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reveals that 88% of young people in the DRC aspire to have financial security before starting a family, but are faced with significant obstacles such as economic uncertainty and lack of job opportunities.
According to UNFPA, policies that rely on population control are doomed to fail if they do not address the challenges identified by young people themselves.
transforming challenges into development levers
The DRC is intensifying its partnership with the UNFPA and the government to address crises in the east of the country, including the National Strategic Development Plan (PNSD 2024-2028).
Their joint effort focuses on two key areas:
- improving access to reproductive health services and quality education for young people, particularly girls and women, to enable them to make informed choices about their bodies and lives.
- accelerating the second national census of population and housing (RGPH2) and developing demographic dividend profiles in provinces to target investments effectively where youth needs are most pressing.
a call to investment
The UNFPA is urging investors to recognize that investing in young people is not a financial burden, but a highly productive strategy for a nation’s future prosperity.
‘It is time to listen to the voices of our young people and create conditions that enable them to make real choices and build their futures,’ says the UNFPA’s Director-General.
