Democratic Republic of the Congo steps up efforts to expand social protection

KINSHASA (ILO News) - Strengthening the capacities of social protection institutions and professionals is essential to accelerate reforms and progressively extend coverage to more people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly workers in the informal economy and vulnerable populations.

This priority was highlighted during a workshop held on 14 and 15 July 2026 in Kinshasa by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, through the General Secretariat for Social Welfare of the Ministry of Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The workshop enabled Congolese experts who had completed specialized training at the International Training Centre of the ILO to share their knowledge and experience with a broader group of national social protection stakeholders.

Discussions covered international social security standards, contributory and non-contributory mechanisms, the governance and coordination of social protection systems, as well as inspection, information systems and advocacy.

Particular attention was given to the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102), ratified by the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1987.

© Radiotélévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC)

© Radiotélévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC)

Participants identified several obstacles to strengthening the social protection system, including low coverage, fragmented programmes, insufficient coordination, limited institutional capacities and a high dependence on external funding.

They stressed the need to strengthen institutional, legal and regulatory frameworks, mobilize more domestic resources for social protection and improve information systems and coordination among stakeholders.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants recommended continued capacity-building for social protection stakeholders and faster reform of the national system in line with international labour standards. They also called for stronger institutions and the progressive extension of social protection coverage, particularly to workers in the informal economy and vulnerable populations.

These efforts are part of the national Road Map for the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, recently validated by its National Steering Committee. The Road Map aims, among other priorities, to strengthen the national social protection system and progressively increase population coverage.

The workshop was supported by the ILO Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All – Phase II, funded by Belgium and Luxembourg, as part of the M-GA Joint Programme – Strengthening Social Protection Systems and Promoting Access to Decent Work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, supported by the Joint SDG Fund.

The M-GA Joint Programme supports national efforts to strengthen social protection systems and better link social protection, employment and skills development, thereby contributing to the implementation of the Global Accelerator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

About the Global Accelerator

The Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection is a United Nations initiative aimed at accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting the creation of decent jobs and the extension of social protection. It brings together Member States, United Nations entities, international financial institutions, public development banks, social partners, civil society and the private sector to promote inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth.

Media contact

For more information:

• Jean-Lambert Mandjo, M-GA Project Coordinator, ILO Country Office for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, email: [email protected]

This joint programme, the M-GA Project, is supported by the Joint SDG Fund. We express our sincere appreciation to the European Union and the Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland for their commitment and contributions, which are helping to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.