The launch ceremony for the eleven micro-projects took place in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on September 23, 2026. These projects, initiated by three community associations, focus on preventing youth violence, promoting social cohesion, and enhancing socio-economic inclusion for young people in the communes of Masina and Ngaliema. The projects aim to create spaces where young people can develop their skills, participate in community life, and become agents of peace and social cohesion.
Daniel Epembe, Secretary General of the Plan, emphasized that these micro-projects are not just localized interventions but have a broader impact. He stated that they should contribute to creating spaces where young people can develop their capacities, participate in community life, and become actors of peace and social cohesion. The projects were launched under the "Fonds de consolidation pour la paix III" project, which seeks to support peacebuilding efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mouna El Jaouhari, Country Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), highlighted that the launch of these initiatives marks the beginning of a process that puts communities at the heart of solutions that concern them. She stressed that projects are more sustainable when they are designed with communities, led by local actors, and adapted to local realities. UNOPS is working alongside the Congolese government and the funder to support these initiatives.
Alvine Bernadette Abena, Project Manager, identified the major challenges of socio-professional integration of young people, including the risks of marginalization or falling into urban violence. She explained that the youth violence prevention component (PVJ) is deploying concrete and targeted activities, including vocational training, apprenticeships, support for partnerships and micro-projects, and the development of community spaces and infrastructure for youth.
The micro-projects were financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through the KfW and executed by UNOPS in partnership with Interpeace. Benjamin Hecker, representative of the German Ambassador to the DRC and head of German coordination, praised the involvement and energy of Congolese youth, considering them an essential force for transforming neighborhoods into spaces of opportunity, respect, and dialogue.
The launch of these micro-projects is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of young people in Kinshasa. The projects will provide opportunities for young people to develop their skills, access socio-economic opportunities, and engage in community life. This, in turn, is expected to reduce the risk of youth violence and promote social cohesion in the communes of Masina and Ngaliema.
The success of these micro-projects will depend on the involvement and ownership of the communities and young people they aim to support. The project implementers and funders have emphasized the importance of community-led initiatives and the need for sustainability. The eleven micro-projects are a step towards preventing youth violence and promoting peace and social cohesion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Key points
- Eleven micro-projects launched to prevent youth violence in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
