Expanding Access to Decent Work and Social Protection in the Democratic Republic of Congo through Integrated Systems and Inclusive Policies

In the DRC, access to social protection and decent work opportunities remains severely limited due to widespread informality, weak administrative systems and absence of robust identification mechanisms. Many vulnerable populations are excluded from existing social protection and employment programmes. Most rely on minimal non-contributory assistance with no access to contributory systems. At the same time, limited opportunities for quality skills development, entrepreneurship support and tailored business services hinders access to decent work opportunities - particularly for women and the youth- thereby perpetuating cycles of poverty informality. Social protection is fragmented and heavily dependent on external financing hindering long-term sustainability and benefits adequacy. This joint programme adopts a comprehensive, dual-pillar approach to address these challenges. It will strengthen policy implementation and institutional capacity to promote the transition from informal to formal employment in high productivity sectors, such as agriculture and solid waste management, by strengthening strategies for skills development, employment, and integration into social insurance and support to bridge non-contributory and contributory systems by improving coordination, expanding coverage, and advancing policy dialogue on sustainable financing. Together, these actions aim to reduce informality and lay the foundation for decent work and resilient social protection and labor systems.

Project symbol

COD/25/50/UND

Admin unit

CO-Kinshasa

Start date

22/10/2025

End date

22/10/2027

Total allocation

424994

Total expenditure

Status

Active

64026

Development Partners

Multi Partner Trust Fund Office, UNDP

Country/Countries

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Outcomes

Outcome 3: Full and productive employment for just transitions
Outcome 7: Universal social protection