tshisekedi-free-secondary-education-drc-2025

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: