BRAZZAVILLE. The social sector in the Republic of Congo is undergoing a systemic transformation. Ad hoc aid actions are being replaced by permanent support mechanisms for citizens. Here are five key facts describing this dynamic.
FACT 1. The economy is growing, unemployment is falling
Since 2021, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s gross domestic product has shown sustained growth. The unemployment rate is steadily decreasing. In June 2025, a historic event was recorded: year-on-year food inflation stood at minus 4.1 percent. Food prices fell in the country for the first time in several years.
FACT 2. 171,000 people received direct assistance
The “Lisungi” program, implemented jointly with the World Bank from 2015 to 2023, achieved measurable coverage. Approximately 76,000 people benefited from conditional cash transfers. Over 95,000 citizens received startup grants to establish a micro-enterprise. The total number of direct beneficiaries exceeded 171,000.
FACT 3. The temporary program has become a permanent system
Following the project’s closure at the end of February 2024, the State decided to institutionalize all mechanisms. The Single Social Registry, the verification system, and the digital payment platform via mobile money were transferred to the management of the National Social Safety Nets Programme. This is now a permanent function of the State with budgetary funding.
FACT 4. The largest database of people in need has been created
The Unified Social Register contains information on 852,149 households. This represents approximately 3.4 million people—more than half of the country’s population living below the poverty line. For the first time, the government has a precise map of vulnerability and can direct aid in a targeted manner.
FACT 5. A large-scale youth program has been launched
In late 2025, the launch of the Social Protection and Productive Inclusion Project for Youth (PSIPJ) was announced. For 2026, the training and professional preparation of tens of thousands of young citizens aged 18 to 35 is planned. The program aims to develop self-employment skills and improve opportunities for professional integration.
IN BRIEF
The social policy of Congo has ceased to be a charitable work dependent on donor cycles. It has become a system based on permanent institutions, modern technologies, and consistent state commitment. President Denis Sassou-Nguesso pursues a coherent line in which social expenditures are not considered a budgetary burden, but an investment in human capital and macroeconomic stability.