Four development-financing measures approved by the National Assembly direct major support toward women-led businesses, primary education, maternal and child nutrition, and stronger emergency preparedness.
KINSHASA — October 20, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of the Congo has taken a major step toward mobilizing $625 million in additional development financing after the National Assembly adopted four ratification bills connected to agreements with the International Development Association, the World Bank Group institution supporting development programmes in lower-income countries.
The measures were adopted in second reading during a plenary session held in Kinshasa on Monday, October 19. According to the Congolese Press Agency, the four bills received 334 votes in favour, one against and no abstentions following an article-by-article examination.
The financing package brings together four programmes designed to improve economic opportunity and essential public services across the country.
$200 Million to Support Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
The first allocation provides $200 million in additional financing for TRANSFORME, a programme supporting the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
The programme is intended to help businesses strengthen their capacity, expand their activities and contribute to job creation, with particular attention given to enterprises owned or led by women. Digital Congo reported that the initiative forms part of the country's wider economic-transformation agenda.
$200 Million to Strengthen Primary Education
A further $200 million will support PERSE, the Emergency Project for Equity and Strengthening of the Education System.
The programme aims to reduce the financial burden of schooling on Congolese households, expand access to primary education in selected provinces and strengthen the foundations of the national education system.
POLICY AND REFORMS
DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health
Oct 20, 2026
Oct 20, 2026
4 min read
Published
Updated:
Four development-financing measures approved by the National Assembly direct major support toward women-led businesses, primary education, maternal and child nutrition, and stronger emergency preparedness.
KINSHASA — October 20, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of the Congo has taken a major step toward mobilizing $625 million in additional development financing after the National Assembly adopted four ratification bills connected to agreements with the International Development Association, the World Bank Group institution supporting development programmes in lower-income countries.
The measures were adopted in second reading during a plenary session held in Kinshasa on Monday, October 19. According to the Congolese Press Agency, the four bills received 334 votes in favour, one against and no abstentions following an article-by-article examination.
The financing package brings together four programmes designed to improve economic opportunity and essential public services across the country.
$200 Million to Support Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
The first allocation provides $200 million in additional financing for TRANSFORME, a programme supporting the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
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The programme is intended to help businesses strengthen their capacity, expand their activities and contribute to job creation, with particular attention given to enterprises owned or led by women. Digital Congo reported that the initiative forms part of the country's wider economic-transformation agenda.
$200 Million to Strengthen Primary Education
A further $200 million will support PERSE, the Emergency Project for Equity and Strengthening of the Education System.
The programme aims to reduce the financial burden of schooling on Congolese households, expand access to primary education in selected provinces and strengthen the foundations of the national education system.
This investment supports the Government's objective of ensuring that more children can attend school while families receive practical relief from education-related expenses.
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$75 Million for Nutrition and Maternal Health
The National Assembly also approved $75 million in additional financing for the Multisectoral Nutrition and Health Project.
The programme focuses on improving access to nutrition services for children from birth to 23 months, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers in the areas covered by the project. It reinforces national efforts to give children a healthier start in life and provide essential support to mothers during pregnancy and early childhood.
$150 Million to Improve Emergency Preparedness
The fourth measure provides $150 million for the Regional Emergency Preparedness and Inclusive Recovery Project, known as REPAIR.
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The programme is designed to strengthen the DRC's financial and institutional capacity to mobilize resources rapidly, respond to natural disasters and other eligible emergencies, and support an inclusive recovery for affected communities. A detailed breakdown published by 7sur7.cd confirms the amounts and objectives attached to all four programmes.
Development Financing Connected to Everyday Priorities
Together, the four measures connect a major national financing package to priorities that directly affect Congolese families: stronger businesses, more employment opportunities, wider access to education, improved nutrition and faster support during emergencies.
The National Assembly's vote demonstrates institutional action to advance programmes capable of producing measurable social and economic benefits. It also reinforces cooperation between the Congolese Government and the International Development Association in sectors central to the country's long-term development.
The texts will proceed through the constitutionally required parliamentary harmonization process because the National Assembly and Senate adopted different versions. This step will align the positions of both chambers before final adoption.
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