Enabling Entrepreneurship and Job Creation Through Social Protection in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
How can social protection programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) be transformed into powerful engines for entrepreneurship, job creation, and income diversification? This question is explored here by examining innovative social protection initiatives through real-life success stories that are driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the country. The DRC stands at a critical juncture today, facing rapid demographic growth and severe economic challenges. The population is getting close to 100 million people, about 73.5% of whom live on less than $2.15 per day—i.e., roughly 71.8 million individuals. Unemployment disproportionately affects youth and women, deepening vulnerabilities. Without significant policy reforms, substantial economic and productive investments, and inclusive development strategies, the DRC is expected to become the largest reservoir of people living in poverty in Africa by 2050. Yet, amid these challenges, a new narrative is taking shape. Social protection programs—when integrated with economic empowerment—are proving to be more than just safety nets: they are becoming platforms for entrepreneurship, income diversification, local job creation, and community resilience. These programs have demonstrated their potential to transform economic hardship into a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth. In South Ubangi, a remote and historically underserved province in the northwest of the DRC, social protection initiatives under the World Bank-supported DRC Eastern Recovery Project (STEP) are doing more than alleviating hardship. In a region where infrastructure is limited, formal employment is scarce, and access to financial services remains minimal, these programs are helping people launch businesses, generate income, and reclaim control over their economic futures. By combining cash transfers with financial literacy, productive economic inclusion with a particular focus on entrepreneurship, and post-program support, STEP is equipping individuals to become active drivers of local economic growth.