Tina Salama Inspires Youth at Kinshasa Entrepreneurship Afterwork

KINSHASA — According to ActuNgolo, YouthCom RDC held a high-impact networking event on Thursday, November 20, titled “Afterwork: Business Meeting” at Sultani Hôtel, bringing together young entrepreneurs, bankers, creatives, and professionals to discuss the theme: “Entrepreneurship in the DRC: Challenges, Financing and Opportunities.”

The event was parrained by Tina Salama, the Spokesperson of the President of the Republic, whose presence energized participants and reinforced the government’s commitment to building a strong, innovative youth movement.

Tina Salama: “The future of Congo will be built by its youth”

Launching the event, Tina Salama praised YouthCom’s initiative, describing it as part of the national transformation agenda driven by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.

She reaffirmed the Head of State’s belief that young people are the driving force of Congo’s future, reminding participants:

“Soutenir nos jeunes, c’est investir dans la transformation durable de la RDC.”

— President Tshisekedi

Salama encouraged youth to seize opportunities, innovate boldly, and take an active role in national development:

“Entrepreneurship is not just an economic act; it is an act of faith, courage, and patriotism.”

Nicknamed by many as the “big sister of Congolese youth,” she praised the determination, audacity, and creativity of young Congolese innovators.

YouthCom: A Platform Driving Youth Inclusion

YouthCom RDC Coordinator Aristote Ikoua Eyambo thanked partners and participants for their engagement. He highlighted Tina Salama’s consistent support, calling her presence a major boost for young Congolese entrepreneurs.

Created in 2019, YouthCom has become a key ecosystem for:

• Youth empowerment

• Entrepreneurial training

• Leadership development

• Networking between young talents and institutions

• Transforming ideas into high-impact socio-economic projects

The platform promotes a more inclusive and prosperous Congo, driven by youth energy and innovation.

Addressing Real Challenges

Throughout the discussions, participants highlighted persistent obstacles facing young entrepreneurs, including:

• Limited access to financing

• Insufficient mentorship and technical support

• Lack of awareness about existing support mechanisms

Salama acknowledged these challenges but insisted on the resilience of Congolese youth:

“You are carriers of courage, ideas, audacity, and determination that inspire.”

She urged young people to use the event to forge real collaborations, take bold decisions, and become co-authors of youth policies, as encouraged by President Tshisekedi during the National Roundtable on Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship.

Youth at the Heart of Congo’s Transformation

With platforms like YouthCom and the government’s renewed focus on youth inclusion, entrepreneurship is emerging as a key lever for:

• Job creation

• Wealth generation

• Innovation

• Sustainable national development

Tina Salama concluded with a powerful message:

“La jeunesse congolaise n’a pas seulement un rôle à jouer : elle a une mission à accomplir.”