The Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC) has strengthened four of its members in the area of continuous improvement and enterprise productivity. This training, which took place from September 21 to October 2, 2026, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was provided through the master trainer program in the KAIZEN approach. The KAIZEN approach, which translates to "change for the better" in Japanese, focuses on the gradual and ongoing improvement of processes.
The training program was organized by the National Institute of Professional Preparation (INPP) with support from the Japanese Cooperation (JICA). It aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills to become master trainers capable of disseminating the KAIZEN approach to businesses. The initiative aligns with the FEC's goals of enhancing productivity, quality, cost control, and competitiveness within the Congolese private sector.
The KAIZEN approach involves identifying problems, researching their causes, and implementing concrete solutions. During the training, participants learned about various tools, including 5S, 5M, the 5 Whys, Ishikawa diagrams, Gemba, visual management, and calculating the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). These tools are designed to help businesses improve their processes and increase efficiency.
The training of these master trainers is a step toward spreading a culture of performance and continuous improvement within Congolese enterprises. According to the FEC, this effort is crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of the Congolese private sector. The program included two sessions held at the INPP's General Directorate in Kinshasa.
The continuous improvement and productivity training is part of a broader effort to support the growth and development of businesses in the DRC. By adopting the KAIZEN approach, Congolese enterprises can improve their operations, reduce costs, and increase their competitiveness in the global market. This, in turn, can contribute to the country's economic growth and development.
The FEC's initiative has been supported by various stakeholders, including the Japanese Cooperation (JICA). The partnership aims to promote economic development in the DRC through capacity building and technology transfer. The training program has been well-received by participants, who see it as an opportunity to enhance their skills and contribute to the growth of their businesses.
The impact of the training program is expected to be felt in the Congolese business community, where productivity and efficiency are critical for competitiveness. By spreading the KAIZEN approach, the FEC and its partners hope to create a culture of continuous improvement that will benefit businesses and the economy as a whole. The program's success will be monitored and evaluated to assess its effectiveness in achieving its objectives.
Key points
- The training program was organized by the National Institute of Professional Preparation (INPP) with support from the Japanese Cooperation (JICA).
