Share the page
Integrating Vulnerable People into Congo Society via Entrepreneurship
Published on
Almost half of Congolese people live below the poverty line and most do not benefit from social protection services because they work in the informal sector. Recently though, the Government has launched several measures, including a scheme called TELEMA (“Stand Up”), to help micro-entrepreneurs escape poverty in Brazzaville and beyond.
In the Republic of Congo, only 15% of the population benefits from social protection services against the risks of unemployment or illness. What’s more, people are finding it increasingly difficult to find a job in the formal sector. More than a third of young people aged between 15 and 29 are not in employment, education or training. In addition, women find it much harder than men to access decent work.
Further reading: Preparing Youth for the Jobs Market in Central Africa
A socio-economic program for micro-entrepreneurs
The Congolese government is coming up with some solutions. Its project for socio-economic integration, “TELEMA” (“Stand Up” in Lingala; link in French) is part of the National Social Action Policy (PNAS) launched by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Solidarity and Humanitarian Action. The support provided to the beneficiaries comprises a skills assessment, the preparation of a business plan, technical and financial assistance for the launch of their micro-projects, and 18 months of mentorship.
“I couldn’t afford to buy equipment before,” says Christ Nkounkou, a who works in solar energy. “I’m now able to have solar panels in stock so that I can rapidly meet demand. In the future, I want to replace generators with solar panels.”
A scheme mainly managed by social workers
AFD has financed the construction and equipment of the National Institute of Social Work (INTS), whose activities include training social workers in how to set up and operate the TELEMA scheme. Their participation enables its widespread deployment in different districts and ensures the scheme is technically and financially sustainable.
700 micro-projects already supported
Since November 2021, several micro-projects have been receiving support in informal sectors, from agriculture and livestock farming, to apparel-hairdressing-cosmetics, IT, car mechanics, and catering. During its pilot phase, which is receiving assistance from AFD and Expertise France, TELEMA plans to support 900 micro-entrepreneurs (700 are already receiving support).
Further reading: “More Tech Companies are developing in Africa than in the Rest of the World”
Extension of project area and institutional recognition
The pilot phase of the TELEMA scheme covers Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire and Pool. It now needs to be rolled out and this requires its integration into the national policy for social safety nets recently adopted by the Government. To further support micro-entrepreneurs and enable an initial geographical extension to Cuvette (Oyo), Niari (Dolisie) and Lékoumou (Sibiti), France could mobilize additional resources to the tune of €3 million through AFD.