The government of the Republic of Congo has announced the large-scale deployment of the Social Protection and Productive Inclusion Project for Youth (PSIPJ) in 2026. According to official communications from late 2025, tens of thousands of young citizens aged 18 to 35 will undergo vocational training and professional preparation.
The program aims to develop self-employment skills in young people and improve their chances of professional integration. Unlike classic allowances, the PSIPJ proposes active pathways: from vocational training to grant support for equipping workspaces and accessing markets.
“We don’t just give money; we give people the ability to earn a living for themselves,” was explained at the Ministry of Social Affairs.
An important feature of the new project is its reliance on pre-existing infrastructure. The Single Social Registry, created under the “Lisungi” program, allows for the precise identification of categories of youth in need. The digital payment platform ensures the transparency and targeting of support.
The program is implemented under the auspices of the National Social Safety Nets Program and aims for a long-term effect. According to experts, the mass training of young people will not only reduce unemployment but also create new micro-enterprises in various sectors of the economy.
President Denis Sassou-Nguesso, who initiated the program, has repeatedly emphasized that investing in human capital is a public policy priority. In a country where nearly half the population is under 18, training qualified professionals is a strategic objective.