KOLWEZI, October 2025 — In a major policy signal, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi announced plans to extend free education to the secondary level across the Democratic Republic of Congo, reinforcing his government’s commitment to universal access to learning.
Speaking to a large crowd in Kolwezi, capital of Lualaba Province, during a rally broadcast live on RTNC, the Head of State addressed the impact of his existing reforms and offered a forward-looking vision for the country’s youth.
“No one here is unaware of the free primary education program, which I have implemented since my accession to the head of our country. In the next few days, if you trust me, I will bring back free secondary education,” Tshisekedi declared.
Education as a National Priority
Since taking office in 2019, President Tshisekedi has placed education at the core of his governance agenda. The free primary education program, launched in his first year, has been widely recognized as one of the most ambitious public policy reforms in recent Congolese history.
According to government statistics, over 5 million children who were previously out of school have returned to classrooms thanks to the policy.
In an interview marking the 63rd anniversary of Congo’s independence (July 8, 2023), Tshisekedi emphasized the deeper vision behind the reform:
“If we succeed in education, everything else will follow, because we will have men and women trained and capable of facing all the challenges that arise.”
He also pointed to education as a long-term tool for fighting corruption and strengthening national cohesion, stating:
FREE EDUCATION
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Oct 20, 2025
May 15, 2026
3 min read
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Updated:
KOLWEZI, October 2025 — In a major policy signal, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi announced plans to extend free education to the secondary level across the Democratic Republic of Congo, reinforcing his government’s commitment to universal access to learning.
Speaking to a large crowd in Kolwezi, capital of Lualaba Province, during a rally broadcast live on RTNC, the Head of State addressed the impact of his existing reforms and offered a forward-looking vision for the country’s youth.
“No one here is unaware of the free primary education program, which I have implemented since my accession to the head of our country. In the next few days, if you trust me, I will bring back free secondary education,” Tshisekedi declared.
Education as a National Priority
Since taking office in 2019, President Tshisekedi has placed education at the core of his governance agenda. The free primary education program, launched in his first year, has been widely recognized as one of the most ambitious public policy reforms in recent Congolese history.
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According to government statistics, over 5 million children who were previously out of school have returned to classrooms thanks to the policy.
In an interview marking the 63rd anniversary of Congo’s independence (July 8, 2023), Tshisekedi emphasized the deeper vision behind the reform:
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“If we succeed in education, everything else will follow, because we will have men and women trained and capable of facing all the challenges that arise.”
He also pointed to education as a long-term tool for fighting corruption and strengthening national cohesion, stating:
“It is through education that we will curb all the evils that we regret today, particularly corruption.”
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A Vision of Empowerment and Inclusion
By extending the program to include secondary education, the government aims to eliminate barriers for millions of adolescents who currently face school fees and limited access to quality schooling, particularly in rural and low-income areas.
If implemented, the policy could position the DRC as a continental leader in public education reform, with ripple effects on employment, civic participation, and gender equity.
XTRAfrica Fact Check
✅ Free primary education began in 2019, with official figures confirming 5+ million children re-enrolled.
✅ Policy announcements have consistently placed education as a central theme of Tshisekedi’s leadership.
✅ The proposal for free secondary education was made publicly on October 5, 2025, in Kolwezi, live on RTNC.
Next Steps
While the President’s statement is currently a political promise, it is expected that sectoral ministries will begin reviewing the budgetary and logistical implications of a potential rollout, with more details possibly tied to the 2026 national development plan.
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