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The Contributions of the Non-Profit Sector to the Economy and the Creation of Dignified and Fulfilling Work for Youths in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Author:

Lututala Mumpasi Bernard

Komana Kota Guilain Jean-Romain

Keywords:
Non-Profit Sector (NPOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Youth Employment, Economic Growth, Dignified Work, Fulfilling Work, Marginalisation, Democratic Republic of Congo, Informal Sector, Labour Market, Skills Development, Entrepreneurship Support, Volunteerism, Community Development, Poverty Reduction, Youth Vulnerability, Precarious Employment, Funding Instability, Political Environment, Mastercard Foundation, Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI)
Document details:
Copyright:
Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI)
Year:
2025
Document Number:
CAPSI.2025/LR9
Availability:
Web-Only
Pages:
35
Publication Date:
Series:
Research Reports
DOI:

https://dx.doi.org/10.47019/CAPSI.2025/LR9

Abstract:
This literature review examines the contribution of the non-profit sector to the economy and the creation of dignified and fulfilling jobs for youths in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is based mainly on documentary research, even if very few papers have been published on this topic. The direct contribution of non-profit organisations (NPOs) to youth employment remains unclear due to insufficient data regarding NPOs’ roles in providing dignified and meaningful work. In this context, evaluating their contribution to job creation for marginalised youth, especially those living with disabilities, becomes even more difficult. The literature shows that the NPOs generate few direct jobs; their main contribution lies in strengthening the employability of young people through training, mentoring, entrepreneurship support, and advocacy for their inclusion. However, this study highlights a darker reality: the opportunities created are often precarious, characterised by short-term contracts, low salaries, and heavy dependence on external funding, pushing a large proportion of young people into the informal sector just to survive. Furthermore, the glaring lack of reliable quantitative data prevents an accurate assessment of the sector’s impact. Although NPOs represent a beacon of hope and an indispensable partner in addressing the country’s structural shortcomings, their capacity to intervene is relatively weak, partly due to their reliance on foreign donors. Additionally, they are further hindered by the political environment in which they operate. This review highlights the urgent need for an integrated approach, combining coherent public policies, strengthened partnerships between the state, the private sector, and civil society, and structural transformation of the economy, so that the potential of Congolese youth can finally be fully realised.
Cite this Article:
 Mumpasi Bernard, L., & Kota Guilain Jean-Romain, K. (2025). The contributions of the non-profit sector to the economy and the creation of dignified and fulfilling work for youths in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Literature Review). Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand. https://dx.doi.org/10.47019/CAPSI.2025/LR9 
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