The Democratic Republic of the Congo and UNESCO have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in the education sector. On October 5, 2026, Minister of State for Education and New Citizenship, Raïssa Malu, met with Fatimata Barry Marega, interim representative of UNESCO in the DR Congo. This meeting follows Marega's appointment to her position in September 2026. The discussions focused on ongoing cooperation projects and future collaboration prospects between the Congolese government and UNESCO.
During the meeting, Malu and Marega reviewed various areas of cooperation, identifying several priorities for the coming years. A key focus area is strengthening support for teacher training institutions, particularly the Institut de Formation des Enseignants (IFE) in Mbanza-Ngungu. Additionally, the two officials emphasized the importance of teacher training within the framework of the ongoing curricular reform in the Congolese education system. These reforms aim to improve the quality of education and professionalize the teaching workforce.
Improving education sector statistics in the DR Congo was another critical topic discussed during the meeting. The availability of reliable data is essential for effective planning of public policies and directing investments according to the actual needs of the education system. By enhancing data collection and analysis, the DR Congo and UNESCO can make more informed decisions to address challenges and improve educational outcomes.
The meeting between Malu and Marega underscores the commitment of both parties to consolidating their partnership on educational reforms. Key areas of focus include professionalizing the teaching workforce, enhancing teaching quality, and strengthening the tools for managing the national education system. By working together, the DR Congo and UNESCO aim to achieve significant improvements in the country's education sector.
The cooperation between the DR Congo and UNESCO in the education sector is part of a broader effort to achieve sustainable development goals, particularly Goal 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. The partnership highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing global education challenges and supporting countries in their efforts to provide high-quality education.
Fatimata Barry Marega's recent appointment as interim representative of UNESCO in the DR Congo brings new momentum to the organization's activities in the country. Her experience and expertise in education and international cooperation will be crucial in advancing UNESCO's programs and projects in the DR Congo, particularly in the area of teacher training and education reform.
The strengthened cooperation between the DR Congo and UNESCO on teacher training and education reforms is expected to have a positive impact on the country's education sector. With a focus on improving teacher quality, enhancing education statistics, and supporting curricular reforms, the partnership aims to contribute to the development of a more effective and equitable education system in the DR Congo.
Key points
- DR Congo's Education Minister Raïssa Malu and UNESCO's Fatimata Barry Marega agree to strengthen cooperation on teacher training and education reforms.
