COUNTRY FACT SHEET

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

(October 2013)

Disclaimer
IOM has carried out the gathering of information with great care. IOM provides
information at its best knowledge and in all conscience. Nevertheless, IOM cannot
assume to be held accountable for the correctness of the information provided.
Furthermore, IOM shall not be liable for any conclusions made or any results,
which are drawn from the information provided by IOM.

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 Table of Contents

I. GENERAL INFORMATION 3

II. HOUSING 10

III. HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE 11

IV. ECONOMY AND SOCIAL SECURITY 14

V. EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM 22

VI. GENDER ISSUES 23

VII. INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND NGO’s 23

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I. GENERAL INFORMATION

General overview1

Established as a Belgian colony in 1908, the Republic of the Congo gained its independence in
1960, but its early years were marred by political and social instability. Colonel Joseph Mobutu
seized power and declared him self president in a November 1965 coup. He subsequently
changed his name - to Mobutu Sese Seko - as well as that of the country - to Zaire. Mobutu
retained his position for 32 years through several sham elections, as well as through the use of
brutal force.

Ethnic strife and civil war, touched off by a massive inflow of refugees in 1994 from fighting in
Rwanda and Burundi, led in May 1997 to the toppling of the Mobutu regime by a rebellion backed
by Rwanda and Uganda and fronted by Laurent Kabila. He renamed the country “the Democratic
Republic of the Congo” (DRC), but in August 1998 his regime was itself challenged by a second
insurrection again backed by Rwanda and Uganda. Troops from Angola, Chad, Namibia, Sudan,
and Zimbabwe intervened to support Kabila 's regime.

Laurent Kabila was assassinated in January 2001 and his son, Joseph Kabila, was named Head of
State.

The transitional government held a successful constitutional referendum in December 2005 and
elections for the presidency, National Assembly, and provincial legislatures in 2006. Kabila was
inaugurated president in December 2006 and reelected in 2011.

Population: 68,692,542 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of
excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher
death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age
and sex than would otherwise be expected.

Age structure:
- 0-14 years: 46.9% (male 16,161,301/female 16,038,024)
- 15-64 years: 50.6% (male 17,289,453/female 17,483,027)
- 65 years and over: 2.5% (male 699,667/female 1,021,070)

Sex ratio:
- at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
- under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
- 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
- 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female
- total population: 0.99 male(s)/female

Life expectancy at birth:

- total population: 54.36 years
- male: 52.58 years
- female: 56.2 years

Urbanization:
- urban population: 34% of total population (2008)
- rate of urbanization: 5.1% annual rate of change (2005-2010)

1
CIAWorld Factbook (on line): https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook
Food and basic supply

Local markets usually provide basic staple food. Some shops and supermarkets also have
imported products for household consumption. Most families buy food on a daily basis. There
are state-owned companies supplying water and electricity to households all over the country,
however, only in the urban areas. The water supply depends on the electricity supply and the
electricity company is facing technical problems to provide electricity regularly.

There are many super markets at Kinshasa as well as in main towns in DRC where people can get
food and manufactured items they need:
- CITY MARKET - ALIMENTATION GOMBELE

Adresse: KINSHASA - 703, Avenue des Adresse: KINSHASA - 15 av. Grand Seminaire
Aviateurs, croisement avec l'avenue de c/Lemba
l'Equateur, Gombe
Téléphone: (+243)819998888 - ALIMENTATION JIJI

- KIN - MART Adresse: KINSHASA - Av. Liberation ex .24 Nov.

/ Gombe
Adresse: KINSHASA - Coin Boulevard du 30 juin
et avenue de la Presse, Gombe - ALIMENTATION MERITE
Téléphone: (+243)810100100
Email: [email protected] Adresse: KINSHASA - PLACE
KINTAMBO-MAGASIN, KINTAMBO
- KIN STORE
- ALIMENTATION MERITE II
Adresse: KINSHASA - No. 397, Boulevard du 30
Juin, Gombe Adresse: KINSHASA - Binza / Delvaux, C/
Téléphone: (+243)997872222 Ngaliema
Email: [email protected]
- ALIMENTATION MONIA
- KINFOOD
Adresse: KINSHASA - 7° Rue, Place
Adresse: KINSHASA - 33 Av. J.Kabasele Commerciale / Limete
Tshiamal, Gombe
Téléphone: (+243)999908775 - ALIMENTATION MONT CARMEL I ET II
Email: [email protected]
Adresse: KINSHASA - 12, Av. Nguma c/
- L'EXPRESS & LA BAVIERE Ngaliema ET 3, Av. De la Montagne c/ Ngaliema

Adresse: KINSHASA - 14, Boulevard du 30 juin, - ALIMENTATION NEW LYS

Gombe ET 59 Avenue de la Jusitice, Gombe
Téléphone: (+243)998178996 - Adresse: KINSHASA - Av. Tombalbaye / Gombe
(+243)999984314 - (+243)999921655
Email: [email protected] - ALIMENTATION SUPER GRAND PRIX
Site Web: http://www.alexpress.cd
Adresse: KINSHASA - Blvd Du 30 Juin,
- REGAL Complexe Planete J

Adresse: KINSHASA - 54, Boulevard du 30 Juin, - BALEKAZ COSMETIC

Gombe
Téléphone: (+243)811450007 Adresse: KINSHASA - En Face Du Restaurant Le
Basilic, Gombe
- SABA SUPERMARKETS
- DUTY FREE VILLA MELLINGO
Adresse: KINSHASA - 87 Av. Colonel Mondjiba,
Ngaliema Adresse: KINSHASA - av. Sergent Moke n°14,
Gombe
Téléphone: (+243)812141334
- DUTY FREE ZIMBALI FLOWERS - SUPER MARCHE

Adresse: KINSHASA - En Face De La Halle De Adresse: KINSHASA - La Casa, Av. Kitega Coin
La Gombe, Gombe Huilleries

FOOD MARKET - SUPER MARCHE MICHAEL I

Adresse: KINSHASA - Place Kintambo Magasin Adresse: KINSHASA - 2, Colonel Ebeya / Gombe

- IBBS - BAZAR - SUPER MARCHE MICHAEL II

Adresse: KINSHASA - Place Commerciale, 7eme Adresse: KINSHASA - 86, Av. Kasa Vubu,
Rue Residentielle, Limete Bandal

- KIN MARCHE LA PATISSERIE

Adresse: KINSHASA - av. de la Presse 3ème niveau Immeuble botour
Téléphone: (+243)819934767 Avenue Colonel Ebeya
Centre ville Gombe - Kinshasa
- MEGASTORE
Chez Victoire
Adresse: LUBUMBASHI - 462,av. MZEE KABILA Avenue du 17 mai (proche rond point Mollaert)
Téléphone: (+243)97031611 - (+243)997027707 Ngiri-Ngiri - Kinshasa

- NETTY’S Chez Victoire

3642 Boulevard du 30 juin
Adresse: KINSHASA - Av. Col. Mondjiba, Rez-de-chaussée de l'immeuble Crown Tower
Galeries St Pierre, Non Loin de Tigo Gombe - Kinshasa

- PELOUSTORE Chez Victoire

2 Avenue Lokolama Kasa-Vubu - Kinshasa
Adresse: KINSHASA - Boulevard du 30 juin
N'ICE CREAM
36, Gombe ET 7ème Rue Residentielle, Limete 7A Avenue du Port
Téléphone: (+243)999934232 Proche du boulevard du 30 juin Gombe -
Kinshasa
Mob : +243 99 28 54 008
- PONDERATION SHOPING
Mob : +243 99 99 43 416
Adresse: KINSHASA - Av. Mokari, Route Matadi/
Delvaux Chez Victoire
Rond point Kintambo magasins
(en face de l'agence Africell)
- S&K SUPERMARCHE
Quartier joli parc Ngaliema - Kinshasa
Adresse: KINSHASA - av. Mbuji-Mayi, Gombe Mob : +242 533 10 55
Téléphone: (+243)813616060
PATISSERIE DE CHANIC
Avenue Colonel Mondjiba
(ex-bureau de Chanitec)
Située près du Camp militaire de Kintambo
Kintambo - Kinshasa
Mob : +242 445 30 92

Transportation

Land transportation is a problem insofar as there are practically no roads that connect one
city to another. Trips can take weeks if not months to cover relatively short distances. Railway
transportation is available between some cities only. Yet the trains are mostly in such a
precarious condition that people fear to put their lives on the line by using this mode of travel.
Air transport is smoother than any other mode, but since the country has different
administrations, the possibility to travel is highly restricted. Access to remote areas is very
difficult.

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Buses and taxis in Kinshasa

One way is approximately 0,25 $ for a bus and 0,5 $ for a shared taxi. Parked Taxi : about 5 to 10
$ one way and 15 $ a hour (i.e. at Airport or Luxury Hotel) Euro Car, AVIS and others car hiring
companies: approximately 100 $ with a driver and 80 $ without driver a day. There is a public
transportation company that is starting in Kinshasa and in major cities with new buses.

Two public transportation companies (Société de Transport Urbain au Congo - STUC- and City
Train) are restarting in Kinshasa and in other major cities with new buses. The government has
new public transportation society (TRANSCO) with brand new buses.

There are small private societies involved in public transportation between Kinshasa and Matadi
for about 30$ with for a taxi and 15$ for a bus; and Kinshasa – Boma/Muanda: 45$. Recently,
there are buses between Kinshasa and Kikwit (in Bandundu Province) for about 25$ for a bus and
60$ for a jeep taxi.

Rail

Five major separate railway systems exist in the DRC. The oldest line links the ocean port of
Matadi to Kinshasa. The longest line, Ilebo-Dilolo-Lubumbashi, connects the mining area of
southern Katanga Region to the port of Ilebo on the Kasai River and ultimately to Kinshasa by the
Kasai and Congo rivers. There are other minor systems in north-east Congo. The 140-km
Mayumbe railway in Bas-Congo links the ocean port of Boma to the agricultural area of Tshiela
and Cabinda.

The government has bought 11 new trains (DRC Government announcement during the first week
of June 2013) to boost the transportation between mentioned locations and create new
employment opportunity.

Air

The country’s major international airport is N’Djili in Kinshasa, which is served regularly by a
number of international airlines en route throughout Africa and direct to Europe and Asia. Private
carriers and small charter companies support air travel within DRC, and since the installation of
the TNG some flights between Kinshasa and the East are now operating. Loano in Lubumbashi is
also an international airport.

International flights

Following international air companies flying in DRC: Brussels Air Lines, Air France, Royal Air
Maroc, Turquish Airways, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Asky, Camair.

All RDC domestic air companies are in the European’s black list for security reasons. The main
domestic air company that covers different destinations in DRC is Compagnie Africaine d’Aviation
(CAA) when others have limit flights capacity.

Airlines companies (domestic and international flights) and agencies in DRC

- BRUSSELS AIRLINES - JET CONGO AIRLINES

Adresse: KINSHASA - 33 Blvd Du 30 Juin Adresse: KINSHASA - Boulevard du 30 Juin à

Kinshasa, DRC coté de Standard Télécom / Gombe
Téléphone: (+243)996017000 Téléphone: (+243)995984755
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Site Web: http://www.brusselsairlines.com Site Web: http://www.jetcongo.com

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- OKAPI AIRLINES - AIR KATANGA

Adresse: KINSHASA – Blvd du 30 juin (immeuble Adresse: LUBUMBASHI - Aéroport de la Luano

Gecamines ex Sozacom), Gombe Téléphone: (+243)997117387
Téléphone: (+243)817109300 – 0817109301
- AIRFAST CONGO
- STELLAR AIRWAYS
Adresse: LUBUMBASHI - Avenue Munguzi
Adresse: KINSHASA – Av Kabasele ( ex. Téléphone: (+243)997117387
Flambeau ) n° 98225 – Gombe
Téléphone: (+243)817102827 - BUSINESS AVIATION
Email: [email protected]
Site Web: http://www.stellarairways.com Adresse: KINSHASA - Aéroport de Ndolo -
Barumbu
- AIR FAST CONGO sprl Téléphone: (+243)999942259

Adresse: LUBUMBASHI - Avenue Munguzi 5, - Compagnie Africaine d’Aviation (CAA)

Quartier Snel, Katanga
Adresse: KINSHASA - av. Poids Lourds 1,
- AIR FRANCE Kingabwa
Téléphone: (+243) 9959 03 900
Adresse: KINSHASA - av. du Tchad 5D, Hôtel
Memling, Gombe
Téléphone: (+243)998001014

Tickets can be directly purchased from air lines desks or from agreed agencies. Hereafter the list of some
agencies.
Imm Tabacongo – Gombe
- AIRTIME TRAVELS
Téléphone: (+243)818555009 –
Adresse: KINSHASA - Av. Kasavubu N° 3371 (+243)818555013
Local N°4 Imm. Le bon Coin Email: [email protected]
Kinshasa, Gombe Site Web: http://www.milestravelworld.com
Téléphone: (+243)819800044
Email: [email protected] - A.T.S SPRL
Site Web: http://www.airtimetravels.com Adresse: KINSHASA - Hotel Memling
- E-WORLD TRAVEL & Aeroport De Ndjili

Adresse: KINSHASA – 397 Blvd du 30 Juin, - ASEM SPRL

Gombe Adresse: 6147, Av. Ngongo Lutete
Téléphone: (+243)812442144 – Commune de la Gombe KINSHASA
(+243)990911019 Téléphone: (+243)898948114
Email: [email protected]
- CONGO TRAVEL SERVICE
- ICARE TRAVEL Adresse: Boulevard du 30 juin, 11,
Adresse: KINSHASA - Boulevard du 30 juin, Gombe KINSHASA
immeuble La Rwindi / Gombe Téléphone: (+243)999998404
Téléphone: (+243)818977000 - 0818957000 -
0999303780/81/82 - EXCEL VOYAGE
Email: [email protected] Adresse: Immeuble du 30 juin,
Gombe - KINSHASA
- JEFFERY TRAVELS Téléphone: (+243)851332200
Adresse: KINSHASA - Immeuble Mayumbe,
60 Boulevard du 30 Juin, Gombe - G.T.S. EXPRESS
Téléphone: (+243)818887777 Adresse: 89, croisement des av. Wagenia et
Email: [email protected] Equateur,
Site Web: http://www.jefferytravels.com Gombe - KINSHASA
Téléphone: (+243)999945074
- MILES TRAVEL
Adresse: KINSHASA – 1547 Blvd du 30 Juin,

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Telecommunications

The state-owned National Mail and Telephone Office (SCPT) faces competition from private
companies both in the postal as well as the telecommunication sector. Many persons prefer to use
the services offered by private companies as the SCPT is generally conceived to be poorly
functioning. Over the last couple of years the mobile phone services provided by a variety of
private companies have virtually replaced SCPT.

Post

There are many companies, both state and private owned, that offer postal services (to areas
where access is possible). These companies include the National Mail and Telephone Office
(SCPT), DHL, Kin Service Express and other local agencies. However, it is reported that the state
owned SCPT is not operating properly, and due to this, they do not have many clients anymore.
The country code for the Democratic Republic of the Congo is +243. There are no prefixes in place
for the regions. The +243 code is under control of Post, Telephone and New Information and
Communication Technologies High Authority that accept companies willing to invest in this field.
Hereafter, list of some companies:

TIGO RDC
KINSHASA - 372 Av. Colonel Mondjiba,
commune de Ngaliema
Tel.: (+243)898222222
Website: http://www.tigo.cd

AIRTEL
KINSHASA - Croisement des avenues Tchad & Bas-Congo,
HQ Airtel, Gombe
Tel.: (+243)996000121

Orange
KINSHASA - 8 av. du Port, Gombe
Tel.: (+243)8400085

CONGO KOREA TELECOM CKT

KINSHASA

SOGETEL
LUBUMBASHI

VODACOM
KINSHASA - 3157 boulevard du 30 Juin,
Mobil Oil building, Gombe
Tel.: (+243)81313100

- AFRICELL
KINSHASA - Av. de la justice ET Croisement Blvd. du 30 juin
Av. de la presse, Gombe
Tel.: (+243)817150800

Phone system

The national wire telecommunications network of OCPT is considerably deteriorated and has been
overtaken by the cellular expansion. GSM mobile phone providers have virtually replaced the
state-owned telecommunications company, ensuring people’s access all over the country to both
domestic and international telecommunication.

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Thus, while landline telecommunication systems exist but with very limited function, the preferred
telecommunication option among the general public is mobile phones and/or the internet. This also
means that the use of fax in the DRC is very limited.

Internet

Internet connections are available in the country’s bigger cities. There are many Internet providers
such as Vodanet – Microcom, Cyber Net, Standard Télécom, Iburst Africa/DRC, Comax. The
connection is about 450$ to 1000$ and the monthly cost is from 100$ to 300$ according to the
needs. Prepaid option is also available.

A monthly internet subscription costs approximately US$ 20 but cheaper options can also be found.
One hour in an internet café costs around US$ 2.

Cell phone or GSM Mobile Systems

As mentioned above, over the last three years, GSM mobile phone companies have all replaced
the state-owned telecommunications company SCPT. This has made it possible for people all over
the country to communicate and exchange information and has also ensured international
telecommunication.

Cellular phone services are offered by private owned companies such as Vodacom, Zain (that has
recently replaced Celtel), Standard telecom, Sait-Telecom, Congo-Chine Telecom, and Starcel.
All main cities are covered by mobile phone companies.

List of some Internet providers:

- ORIONCOM - CONGO KOREA TELECOM CKT

KINSHASA - 3116 av. Bobozo KINSHASA
17ème Rue Poids Lourds - Kingabwa, Limete
Tel.: (+243)895159906 - 0895159918 - GBS - GLOBAL BROADBAND SOLUTION
Email: [email protected] KINSHASA - 4630, av. de la Science, Gombe
Website: http://www.orion-rdc.com Tel.: (+243)990908557

- AFRICANUS SPRL - VODACOM

KINSHASA - 59/60 Boulevard du 30 juin KINSHASA - 3157 boulevard du 30 Juin,
Commune de la Gombe Mobil Oil building, Gombe
Tel.: (+243)760054 Tel.: (+243)81313100

- AFRICELL - TIGO RDC

KINSHASA - Av. de la justice ET Croisement KINSHASA - 372 Av. Colonel Mondjiba,
Blvd. du 30 juin commune de Ngaliema
Av. de la presse, Gombe Tel.: (+243)898222222
Tel.: (+243)817150800 Website: http://www.tigo.cd

- AFRINET - AIRTEL
KINSHASA - 1er étage Building Gecamines, KINSHASA - Croisement des avenues Tchad
Gombe & Bas-Congo,
Tel.: (+243)818119462 HQ Airtel, Gombe
Tel.: (+243)996000121
- CIELUX / INET
KINSHASA - 87, Av. de l"Equateur, Gombe - IBURST
Tel.: (+243)999931523 KINSHASA - 13 Avenue De La Justice,
Gombe
- COMAX Tel.: (+243)996030400
LUBUMBASHI - 756 Avenue Kapenda
Tel.: (+243)995465240

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- MICROCOM MICROCOM
MBANDAKA - KINSHASA - 4, Av. Mutombo Katshi,
Tel.: (+243)998100400 Commune de la Gombe
Tel.: (+243)999980838
MICROCOM
MATADI - RADIO COM
Tel.: (+243)810536380 AVE MAKIADI - KINSHASA - RDC
(243) 0998 53 41 00 & 0999 91 50 60
MICROCOM [email protected]
LUBUMBASHI - www.radiocom.cd
Tel.: (+243)818898396
RADIO COM
MICROCOM 1083, AVE KASAI - LUBUMBASHI - RDC
MBUJI MAYI - (243) 999 94 73 90
Tel.: (+243)815079068 [email protected]
www.radiocom.cd

II. HOUSING

It is difficult to describe the housing situation in general terms. There are no official real estate
agencies, which makes it impossible to get trustworthy information on availability, rents, sale, etc.
Although renting is the most common type of accommodation, people who have the money and
the opportunity often buy a piece of land on which they build a house for themselves.

There are no administrative impediments for buying and selling land, save the fact that a great deal
of caution should be exerted in real estate purchase. Some people have bought property that has
been sold to two or more other buyers. In DR of Congo, operate so-called 'Commissionaires', who
are a sort of 'moving agencies'. These people have a list of places recorded on paper and sit at a
corner of a street with their boards. They are handy in finding places of all sorts (houses, shops,
flats...).They'll take you to places you'd be interested in looking at. The commissionaires play an
important role in finding a house in Kinshasa because they are in contact with owners. They have
10 % of the deal (purchasing price or monthly rent). And reliability depends on individuals.

Accommodation

1) 50 to 200 $ monthly rental for an apartment of 1 or 2 bedrooms depending on the area (with
kitchen, bathroom and dinning room).
2) Hotel:+/-50upto150$aday
3) Meal: +/-20$

purchasing

1) Purchasing certificate (mainly delivered by customer Chief)

2) Rent contract (at the Cadastral office)
3) Value making : building of house even the smallest
4) Record Certificate: 3 years after value making. It is a definitive ownership prove.

House purchasing

1) Purchasing certificate (made by the seller)

2) Estate Certificate for ownership transfer (at the town hall)
3) Taxes (Urbanism and Land Offices)

Rent

Six months guaranty with three prepaid months + one month as Commission) depending on

10
places in the city. In luxury compounds the prices hereafter are multiplied by two or three.

- US $ 50 to 100 per month for an apartment of one bedroom including dining

room, kitchen, bath room and Water closet
- US $ 100 to 200 per month for an apartment of two bedrooms including dining
room, kitchen, bath room and Water closet
- US $ 250 to 500 or 1000 per month for an apartment of three bedrooms
including dining room, kitchen, bath room and Water closet

Housing provisions

Available for vulnerable cases (including shelters for victims of trafficking)

Elderly people are accommodated in some public homes in Kinshasa and in some provinces in the
DRC, although very limited.

Street children are taken in charge by some NGOs and churches until their reintegration in the
family or in socio-professional life by some adults and vocational trained ones.

IOM Kinshasa has upgraded two street children centres of Don Bosco’s Salesians Nuns
congregation in both Kinshasa (Mazzarello House) and Lubumbashi to be used if there are victims
of trafficking under the Southern Africa Countries’ Trafficking Assistance Programme. This
programme aims to prevent and fight against counter trafficking in the African Southern Region.

III. HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE

Basically in every large city there is a general hospital, private clinics and health care centres to
provide health care services to the population. Rural areas, by contrast, do not always have these
facilities nearby. Even though health care is provided in large cities, it is recommended to have
certain ailments treated in hospitals abroad since most hospitals do not have the necessary
equipment -The ones they have, have not been renewed for several decades. So anything from a
stroke to head surgery or implants is often recommended for treatment abroad. Most cases are
referred to doctors in South Africa, Belgium or France.

In public hospitals treatment is cheaper than in the private ones. In despite this, it is not easy to
access due to the general poverty in the country. Patients are transferred to a superior medical
level for a serious health problem.

Consultation file and consulting with a physician: about 5, 10 to 20 $

Medical and Hospitals structure

Small Health Post (dispensary, medical points) for minor health problems
Health Centre: for minor and serious health problems
General Hospital and Specialized Centres: for minor, serious and special health problems Clinic:
for serious, special and complicated health problems.

Medicaments for the treatment of some diseases (TBC, malaria, hepatitis, children’s diseases,
HIV) are available in Small Health Posts (dispensaries, medical points), Health Centre, General
Hospital and Specialized Centres and in Clinic. There is no health insurance system in DRC.
There are many Small Health Posts (dispensaries, medical points) and Health Centre in each
Commune in Kinshasa and in each Administrative Sector in Regions. There is one General
Hospital and Specialized Centre in big towns as well as in Administrative Territories in Regions
and there are some Clinics (public and private) in Kinshasa.

11
Info on AIDS from the AIDS National Programme

Blood test

This test is almost free of charge since many medical institutions are in programme with the AIDS
National Programme with the help of International Aid. There are many hospitals and medical
centres in the country where HIV test can be made. In Kinshasa, apart from INRB (National
Institute of Bio-Medical Research) and Ngaliema Clinic; there are other centres such as:

- Centre de Victoire: 61, Avenue Victoire, Commune de Kasa-Vubu

- Centre de Traitement Ambulatoire (CTA), Avenue Kabinda – dans l’enceinte du Centre de
Depistage de la Tuberculose (CDT), en face de la Radio Nationale
- CSAC AMOCONGO, 12 Avenue ASSOSSA, Quartier Salongo/Kasa-Vubu
- AMOCONGO – N’djili, 12 Rue Londo, Quartier 9, Commune de N’djili
- FEMME PLUS, 112 Rue Lokelenge/Ngiri-Ngiri et sur 70 Avenue Muanza, Commune de Kisenso
- Laboratoire National de Référence, Pavillon 11, Hopital Général de Kinshasa
- CHECK UP POUR TOUS, Avenue de la Montagne – Commune de Ngaliema

AIDS treatment

1. Patients medical follow up (20 % in the country and 80 % in Kinshasa)

a. Opportunist infections treatment

b. Anti Retro Viral: 29 $ per month

As regards HIV/AIDS treatment, the follow-up can be divided into different types:

This treatment can be divided into two levels, both of which are free of charge:
- Treatment against opportunistic infections;
- Anti-retroviral Treatment.

In addition to these two levels of treatment the patient can also be treated with prophylaxis using
Cotrimoxazol. This treatment can be initiated before the Anti-retroviral treatment is started or be
used as a complementary treatment during the antiretroviral treatment.

Several hospitals and clinics in the private sector as well as in the public sector offer HIV/AIDS
treatment in Kinshasa, such as:
• Kinshasa General Clinic
• University Clinic
• Ngaliema Clinic
• Kitambo Clinic
• Bondeko Clinic
• Yolo Medical Clinic
• Saint Joseph Hospital
• Nganda Center
• Kinshasa Medical Center
• Gombele Medical Clinic
• Roi Baudouin Clinic
• N’djili Hospital
• Marie Biamba Mutombo Clinic

In addition to these public and private hospitals and clinics, there are also NGOs which provide the
same assistance, such as Action Communautaire Sida (ACS) and AMOCONGO.

HIV/AIDS treatment is generally available also outside of Kinshasa, including the provision of
antiretroviral medications. The treatment is free of charge. However, some patients pay for
treatment when they can afford it. Persons that pay for their treatment often do so to avoid
hospitals using free-of-charge medicines.

12
2. Psychological follow up taken in charge by NGOs.

a. AMOCONGO: Coins des avenues de l'Enseignement et des Huileries

b. Fondation Femmes Plus: Mme Bernadette MULEBWE, Directrice Nationale
c. ALPI: Apostolat pour la Libération des Personnes Infectées, Mme Docteur Numbi, Directrice
Nationale, Avenue de l'OUA, Commune de Kintambo, Kinshasa.
d. Programme National de Lutte contre le SIDA (PNLS/CPCDV): Dr Darius MAKELA, Avenue des
Huileries, Kinshasa.

1. Patient biological follow up (complete and permanent follow up): about 30-50 $ per month
2. Statistic: 4,5 % for 58 millions of inhabitants in DRC , 20 % in Kinshasa for about 7millions of
inhabitants.
3. Prevention activities:

a. Public awareness
b. Transfusion security
c. Sexual Transmissible Infections prevention and treatment
d. HIV Mother-Infant prevention and treatment

Concerning the HIV/AIDS problematic, many NGO’s have been created to deal with HIV infected
persons in general. They have come together under different platforms to help out orphans,
widows, widowers living with the virus.

Some of the most important NGOs are:

• AMOCONGO, 12 Avenue ASSOSSA, Quartier Salongo/Kasa-Vubu, Coins des avenues

de l'Enseignement et des Huileries

• ALPI: Apostolat pour la Libération des Personnes Infectées, Avenue de l'OUA, Commune
de Kintambo, Kinshasa., Mme Docteur Numbi, Directrice Nationale,

• Programme National de Lutte contre le SIDA (PNLS/CPCDV,) Avenue des Huileries,

Kinshasa: Dr Darius MAKELA,

• Le Forum Sida (FOSI)

Avenue Kasa-Vubu dans l’enceinte de AMOCONGO

• Fondation Femme Plus

132, avenue Lokolenge, Commune de Ngiri-Ngiri,
Kinshasa Tel : 243 88 01920

• Réseau Congolais des Personnes Vivant avec le VIH/SIDA

19, avenue Bangala, Commune
de Kintambo, Kinshasa

• Population Services International/AIDSMark

Association de Sante Familale Building Shell No. 12
Blvd. 30 Juin (coin 30 juin and Wangata) Kinshasa 1, DRC
Tel. / Fax: 011-243-12-20544 (Fax after 19:00 zulu)
Email: [email protected]
URL: http://www.psi.org/where_we_work/congo_kinshasa.html

• Center for disease control and prevention

Dr Kandjoura Drame, Coordinator Kinshasa DR Congo
Tel.: (+1 321) 953 9026
Email: [email protected]

13
IV. ECONOMY AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Since the job market is inundated with graduate job seekers from university, it is hard to find a
good job. Even the best diploma is mostly useless. Recently, non-governmental and international
organizations have been the major employers, and most of the jobs created are in the
development field. Typical activities include project management, logistics, and radio operations.

Generally speaking, there is a higher salary for persons who do have a university diploma. Job
announcements are rarely advertised in newspapers. They are passed by oral propaganda to
close friends and relatives -save for the very few cases where advertisements are posted on the
gates or in the lobby of a company. More often than not, companies advertise a position for the
sake of observance of internal regulations only. It is customary to select an insider even prior to
posting the job advertisement.

Provided that some arrangement or a sort of agreement is made prior to return, no expectations
should be raised as to financial assistance and pension money. Pensions are not a customary
practice in the Republic. Big companies used to pay pensions to retired workers, but now the
social security scheme is ineffective. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security can be contacted,
however, more for specialized counseling with regard to mechanism and structure to channel
these cases.

Employment

There is no major sector that offers significant job opportunity since companies and other
structures have been looted from the beginning of the 90s. In addition, civil wars have increased
the crisis. To the National Office for Employment, there are other private Institutions (such as Job
Factory) in charge of job issues but with limited capabilities. Small businesses and
micro-enterprises are the main economic activities.

The Government is planning to renew the administration with young qualified staff to reinforce the
public administration’s capacity and modernization.

United Nations agencies and International organization such MONUSCO and International
organization for migration (IOM DRC) are the main actors in employment sector as they offer
possibility to recruit young qualified Congolese all over the country.

List of recruitment services:

1. The JobFactory [email protected]

124, Boulevard du 30 juin www.afrikinterim.com
Kinshasa/Gombe +243899271600
+243 81 99 15 181 +243999972590
+243 99 99 15 181
[email protected] 4. ESOMO
www.rdcjobfactory.net 396, Av. Colonel Ebeya
Kinshasa/Gombe
2. SODEICO +243897204797
4, Av. du Marché
KINSHASA - GOMBE 5. GEI SPRL
République Démocratique du Congo Blvd du 30 Juin - Croisement 24 Novembre
[email protected] Kinshasa/Gombe
+243991698051 +243815096634
+243818095649 +243818128481
http://www.sodeico.org
6. JNC CONSULTING
3. AFRICA INTERIM 34, Blvd du 30 Juin
107, Av. du Tchad Kinshasa/Gombe
Kinshasa/Gombe +243999494814

14
 Immeuble Royal – Blvd du 30 Juin
7. CIA Kinshasa/Gombe
7, Blvd Lumumba – 1ère Rue Limete
Kinshasa/Limete
+243897040400 9. Mara-Ison Technoligies
+243997800405 Kinshasa Gombe
[email protected]
8. OFFICE NATIONAL POUR L’EMPLOI, www.jobcongo.com
ONEM

Banking

The banking system in the DRC is recovering after a period of turmoil. Foreign banks such as the
Citibank, Belgolaise, Stanbic Bank, etc. are operating in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Transferring
money within the country can be done through ‘money transfer operations’, with several agencies
such as “Western Union”, “Mister Cash”, “Soficom”, ”Solidaire” or “Money Gramm” that are
operating in all urban areas.

Opening a bank account is a simple procedure; a person must write an application formally
requesting the opening, fill out the necessary forms and make a deposit (between US$ 100 (75.4€)
and US$ 3,000 (2262.00€)). Due to market challenge, saving bank account opening is now for free
in Pro-credit Bank and in Congo African International Bank (BIAC = Banque Internationale pour
l’Afrique au Congo).

The Congolese Franc (CDF) is the official currency of the DRC. The exchange rate is determined
by the foreign exchange market. The exchange rate for the Congolese Franc is approximately
CDF 840 for US$ 1 (local market rate in April 2009). Some of the banks are listed below:

1. Banque Commerciale du Congo (BCDC)/Belgolaise

Boulevard du 30 Juin, Kinshasa
Tel.: +243 88 44 853/4 or +243 12 21 773/4/5/6
Fax: +243 12 21 770
Email : [email protected]

2. Banque Internationale de Crédit (BIC)

191, avenue de l'équateur, Kinshasa/Gombe
Tel.: +243 99 10 819 -+243 819937 99/ 81 81 30 367/ 81 88 43 790
Fax : +243 81 26 16 000
Email : [email protected]

3. Banque Internationale pour l'Afrique au Congo (BIAC)

Madame Catherine TRAUTES Chargée de la Clientèle
KINSHASA - 87, Bld du 30 juin, n°87 / Kinshasa - Gombe
Tel.: (+243)81700 4001 - 817004002 – 817004003, +243 98 59 19 99,
Email: [email protected] et [email protected]
Website: http://www.biac.cd

4. Citibank Congo
Coins des avenues Colonel Lukusa et Ngongo Lutete, Kinshasa/Gombe
Tel.: +243 88 40 015, +243 89 40 015 ou +243 81 88 40 015
Fax: +243 88 00 456

5. RAWBANK Congo
3487 Blvd du 30 Juin, Kinshasa/Gombe
Tel.: +243 89 81 010, +243 98 32 0000/0001 +243 81 98 32 000
Fax : 00377 99 63 1042 / 081 261 60 64

15
Email: [email protected]

6. Union de Banques Congolaises (UBC)

Coins des avenues de la Nation et de l'Equateur, Kinshasa/Gombe
Telecopie: +243 81 261 60 63
Email : [email protected]

7. BANK OF AFRICA (BOA)

KINSHASA - 22, avenue des aviateurs
Tel.: (+243)993004600 - 0818308280
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.boa-rdc.com

8. BGFIBank RDC
KINSHASA - Av. Du Port N° 14/16 Rond Point Forescom, Gombe
Tel.: (+243)995833333
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.bgfi.com

9. BIC - BANQUE INTERNATIONALE DE CREDIT

191, Avenue de l’Equateur, Kinshasa/Gombe
Tel.: +243 99 10 819, +243 819937 99/ 81 81 30 367/ 81 88 43 790, (+243)898932920
Fax: +243 81 26 16 000,
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.bic.cd

10. TMB
KINSHASA - 1, Place du Marché / LUBUMBASHI - 1223 Av. Lumumba
Tel.: (+243)817562771 - (+243)990210909 - (+243)818310061 / Lubumbashi (+243)997023000
Fax: (+32)27919235 / Lubumbashi (+1) 347 649 2028
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.trustmerchantbank.com

11. SOFIDE SARL

KINSHASA - 9-11, Croisement Av. Ngabu et Kisangani, Commune de la Gombe
Tel.: (+243)812637778

12. STANBIC BANK CONGO SARL

KINSHASA - 12, Av. de la Mongala, Commune de la Gombe
Tel.: (+243)817006000

13. ECOBANK
KINSHASA - Immeuble Future Tower, Boulevard du 30 juin 3642
Tel.: (+243)996016000

14. BANQUE CONGOLAISE SARL

KINSHASA - 14/16, Av. du Port, Commune de la Gombe
Tel.: (+243)998748005

15. FINCA BANK RD Congo SARL

KINSHASA
Crois .av.Col. Ebeya & Hopital Général Ex. Immeuble SODIMCA
Tel.: (+243)998527240
Website: http://www.finca.cd

16. ProCredit Bank

16
 4b, Avenue des Aviateurs Gombe, Kinshasa
Tél. : +243 81 830 2500
Fax : +49 69 2550770 42
[email protected]
www.procreditbank.cd

Money transferred from abroad and in the country

Getting money from outside and in the country can be done through ‘money transfer operations’,
with several agencies such as “Western Union”, “Money Gramm”, “Money Trans” or some other
private agencies well known in Congolese communities and in the country.

- ABS
KINSHASA - 16, Grand hôtel, Av. Batetela, Commune de la Gombe
Tel.: (+243)999915303

-ADRIK ETS
KINDU - 39, Av. Lumumba, Commune Kasuku
Tel.: (+243)813129100

- FREE CHANGE
KINSHASA - 761, Ave Moero
Tel.: (+243)997022000

- GROUPE SOLIDAIRE
KINSHASA - Boulevard du 30 Juin - immeuble Regina, Gombe
Tel.: (+243)999410410

- MONEYTRANS
KINSHASA - Avenue Isiro 8 , Gombe
Tel.: (+243)999915303

- SOFICOM
KINSHASA - 1 avenue des Sénégalais, Gombe
Tel.: (+243)998724444

- SWIFT CHANGE
KINSHASA - 32, Ave Ebeya
Tel.: (+243)8847590 - (+243)999931084

Micro credit to start a business or buy a real estate

Both NGOs and international organizations implement micro-credit programs in the DRC but
under various conditions (e.g. to belong to a certain group of society, normally groups considered
as vulnerable, and the amount that can be received is limited). Micro-credit programs are
commonly destined only for households having at least one of the members considered as
“vulnerable” and are based on sustainable micro-projects to be defined with the candidate.

Recently also various financial banking institutions (e.g. Pro-credit, Finca, Hope-Drc, and Congo
African International Bank) have opened up for access to micro-credits, but these are generally
loans that have to be repaid.

Below is a list of some financial banking institutions:

17
1. FINCA RD Congo

- KINSHASA: Sodimca Building,

Colonel EBEYA and Maman YEMO avenues corner
Gombe Commune
Tel.: +243 81 50 97 198 / +243 89 82 22 854
Website: www.villagebanking.org

Conditions for income generating activities:

1. be Congolese and over 18 years-old living in DR Congo
2. have commercial activity for at least two years
3. have a licence permit or official authorization
4. credit is provided for 400$ - 20.000$

2. MUFESAKIN (Mutualité des Sages Femmes de Kinshasa)

- KINSHASA: Avenue NGUMA N° 5,

Jolie Parc Quarter (Kitambo Magasin place)
Ngaliema Commune
Tel.: +243 81 512 14 16

Conditions:
1. be Congolese over 18 years-old living in DR Congo
2. be a member of the MUFESAKIN (6. Congolese Francs/person; 12.000 Francs/NGO)
3. maximum of 100.000 Francs for income generating activities at the beginning. This
amount can be increased on the basis of one’s management and reimbursement capacity
with a 4 % interest rate per month (48% per year).
4. Credit can be obtained for: income generating activities, children school fees payment
(for a period of 10 months of school year) and family consumption

3. HOPE RDC

- KINSHASA: Lumumba’s Boulevard and Huileries avenues corner

opposite to Regideso Building
Gombe Commune
Tel.: +243 81 49 26 793

Conditions for income generating activities:

1. No individual micro credit
2. Micro credit is applied for groups (association, NGO or Church) of 25 to 45 persons
3. be Congolese and over 18 years-old living in DR Congo
4. have an existing activity
5. minimum of 80$ to 3.000$, depending on one’s capacity for a period of 4 months.
The loan is reimbursed in 16 instalments every week starting from the second week after
the start of the reimbursement.

4. CTB-BTC Kinshasa

- KINSHASA: Avenue Colonel Ebeya N° 15

Gombe Community
Website: www.btcctb.org
E-mail: [email protected]

18
Opportunities to set up a business for vulnerable cases

In order to open a shop or office, certain procedures need to be followed. For instance, an
authorization needs to be obtained and a commerce registration needs to be made to the Ministry
of Commerce. The costs related to the procedures to be followed when opening small
shops/offices are as follows, apart from monthly taxes to be paid:

Taxes (in Kinshasa):

• Authorization: US$ 200

• Commerce Register (Identification): US$ 60
• ANR : Agence Nationale de Renseignement (National Investigation Agency): US$ 100
• Culture and Art: US$ 50
• Environment: US$ 50

It normally does not take long to go through this procedure. The person receives the papers as
soon as he/she pays the fees. The time needed to proceed with these steps generally depends
strongly on the company assigned.

Small businesses

- Public transportation : Taxi driving or Mini Bus

- Bar
- Shop of basic consumption items
- Hair dressing salon
- Clothes selling
- Public secretariat with Computer Training Centre
- Food shop
- Dress making with training facility
- Car spares shops (pieces or tires)
- Phones cards
- Small communication center (phone station)
- Pharmacy (drug store)

Custom Issues

The Ofida (“Office de douane et accises”) is the Government office in charge of custom in DRC.
The taxation is based on “Ad valorem” or on “Specific” value systems.

Based on the law n° 009-2003 of 18 march 2003 on merchandises value determination (items final
costs or the estimate until the entry point in the DRC), the payment of all relevant costs are done
to the Ofida that will split it for concerned services2.

Costs’ details below must be paid and people must contact a Custom Agent or Agency who will
follow the process. This is an indication for IOM Kinshasa custom clearance (IOM Kinshasa
doesn’t pay custom duty). The IOM Assisted Returnees will benefit from IOM Status. So, they will
not pay the customs duty (all their items will be in IOM Kinshasa’s name.
None diplomatic Institution or person will pay the customs duty, based on item value.

Custom Clearance for IOM Kinshasa

Container
N° Description Vehicle Personal Items
20' 40'
1 Customs duty No cost No cost No cost No cost

2
LEGANET.CD (on line): www.leganet.cd

19
 OCC/TALLY
2 118$ 118$ 118$ 118$
(Control Office tax)
ONATRA 300$ à 850$ Depending Depending Depending on
3
(per item type : A, B or C) on weight on weight weight
4 Carrier Costs - 1480$ 1480$ -
Travel insurance
5 125$ - - -
(Matadi - Kinshasa)
6 Agency Visa 100$ 200$ 400$ 100$
7 Ofida Entry Visa 40$ 40$ 80$ 40$
Administrative and
8 450$ lump sum lump sum lump sum
Operational Costs
25$ 50$ 50$ 30$
9 Bank charges
0,59% on 0,59% on 0,59% on
10 Ogefrem Office Tax 0,59% on C.I.F
C.I.F C.I.F C.I.F
50$ 50$ 50$ 50$
11 Ogefrem subscription
50$ 200$ 400$
12 Handling lump sum
10$ 300$ 500$ 100$
13 Stripping
10 % de 5 % de 5 % de
14 Agency Honorary lump sum
C.I.F C.I.F C.I.F
1400$ 2800$
15 Transport (Matadi – Kinshasa) No cost lump sum

3
Source: Information collected from the custom service

La liste de quelques agences en douanes :

- AFRICARGO EXPRESS - AMICONGO Bukavu

AVE DES ENTREPOTS AMICONGO - Tel.: (243) 998 62 60 02
KINSHASA - RDC [email protected]
(243) 998 33 71 51 www.amicongo.cd
(243) 815 13 08 08
[email protected] - BCPL
www.africargoexpress.com 4776, AVE POIDS LOURDS
- AMICONGO KINSHASA
13, AVE AVIATEURS - KINSHASA - RDC (243) 999 91 54 02
(243) 810 58 72 75 (32) 27 06 52 74
(243) 177 55 14 14 58 [email protected]
[email protected]
www.amicongo.cd - COMEXAS AFRIQUE
BP. 14797 - KINSHASA - RDC
- AMICONGO Matadi (243) 819 90 89 20
Tel.: (243) 814 50 11 81 (32) 27 06 57 79
[email protected] [email protected]
www.amicongo.cd www.comexas.cd

- AMICONGO Lubumbashi - ELIT

Tel.: (243) 814 05 88 64 2, AVE GECAMINES - KINSHASA - RDC
[email protected] (243) 811 45 86 62
www.amicongo.cd (243) 812 61 06 03
[email protected]

3
Information collected from the custom service

20
- GENERALCO SODETRANS
BP. 14597 - KINSHASA - RDC 411, AVE LIVRE - KINSHASA - RDC
(243) 98 16 03 93 (243) 880 90 66
(32) 21 13 76 93 28 (243) 001 77 58 90 55 71
[email protected] [email protected]
www.generalco.com
SOTRAMAR gr. orgaman
- GENERALCO Lubumbashi BP. 1598 - KINSHASA - RDC
60, AVE KASAI (243) 894 70 48
(243) 998 78 52 51 [email protected]
[email protected]
www.generalco.com

- GENERALCO Matadi
1, AVE POSTE
(243) 98 51 49 53 & 999 82 37 01
www.generalco.com

GENERALCO Mbuji Mayi

56, AVE INGA
(243) 81507 70 41
www.generalco.com
GTM
1332, RTE DES POIDS LOURDS,
LIMETE - KINSHASA - RDC
(243) 970 06 00 14
[email protected]

GTM GETMA
22, BLD 30 JUIN - KINSHASA - RDC
(243) 818 84 45 92
(243) 27 06 51 24
[email protected]
www.getma.fr

SDV AGETRAF
BP. 8834 - KINSHASA - RDC
(243) 895 14 49
(243) 884 35 47
[email protected]
www.agetraf.cd

SDV AGETRAF Lubumbashi

BP. 3672
(243) 814 00 03 55
[email protected]
www.sdv.com

SOCODAM
4448, AVE TOMBALBAYE - KINSHASA -
RDC
(243) 818 14 39 51
(243) 999 91
[email protected]
www.socodam.com

21
V. EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

There are universities all over the country, both private and public. They offer a wide range
of courses and degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level. For doctoral studies and
post-doctoral research, most people prefer to go overseas. Within the Ministry of education,
there is a department tasked with the recognition of academic degrees. Those who can
afford to pay for their children’s tuition do not hesitate to choose a “good” private school for
quality education.

The organization of the educational system in the DRC is similar to that of Belgium, the
country’s former colonial power. Public education is guaranteed for both boys and girls but is
not free of charge. The parents have to pay a tuition fee, which forms a practical obstacle for
some families to enroll their children in school. Some families prioritize the schooling of boys
over girls, who are often assigned domestic responsibilities instead.

Access to primary and high school or University

(including difference between private and public school)

As mentioned above, the education system in the DRC is in its organization similar to the
educational system of Belgium. The school system has a total of twelve grades, with grades
one to six being primary (primaires) and seven to twelve being secondary/high school
(secondaires).

In despite free education in public schools (from 1st to 3rd form in primary schools) in DRC
provinces except Kinshasa and Katanga province, Education is not free of charge and
parents have to pay a tuition fee, usually between US$ 10 and US$ 300 per trimester
depending on the reputation of the school in question. Families with sufficient means will
normally send their children to a school of good reputation to assure quality education.

There are three private foreign schools in Kinshasa that are mostly attended by the children
of international workers in Kinshasa.

Although access to schooling is guaranteed, tuition fees are a practical obstacle for some
families. The administration of the education school is centralized, with the overall control
ensured by the Ministry of Education.

Universities, both private and public, can be found all over the country. There are many
Universities, mostly in main cities that offer a wide range of courses and degrees at the
undergraduate and graduate level.

For doctoral studies and post-doctoral research, most people prefer to go overseas. Within
the Ministry of Education, there is a department tasked with the recognition of academic
degrees.

Recognition of foreign diplomas

All foreign diplomas are recognized by the Ministry of Education through the Education
General Inspection. They refer to UNESCO’s report on worldwide education.

Vocational training courses, scholarship and grants available

The Minister of Labor and Social Protection is very active in the domain of vocational training,
and the government has made noticeable efforts in this respect since its appointment.
However, the vocational programs remain the initiative of local NGOs and International
Partners in the country, such as ILO, UNDP and IOM.

The trainings are destined mainly to provide interested candidates with the basic knowledge
on handmade, traditional occupations such as mechanics, electronics, electricity, secretarial
skills, computer, dress making, hair and beauty courses, car driving, carpentry, brick making,
and shoe making.
However, there is no scholarship or grants available. People have access to these training
courses from their own means or with the help of NGOs or churches associations.

Education available for vulnerable cases

Although there is formally no discrimination between boys and girls in the access to
education, girls in rural areas are often assigned.

VI. GENDER ISSUES

Although some women do work in high positions in the companies, generally speaking
women are foremost housewives who take care of the children and the husband. Women
are often considered an “aide” to the man. Women are usually enjoying greater opportunities
in big cities than in rural areas where minds tend to be strongly ingrained with traditional
customs. The parliament voted a law to recognize genre equality between men and women,
but women have to fight a lot to arrive to the gender equality.

VII. SUPPORT TO NGO’s

There are many associations and NGO’s around Kinshasa and major cities. They are
involved in support to raped women, orphans, street children and single mothers.

23