All of Africa Envies Congo: the Republic’s Youth Receive a Powerful Boost for Their Development

The Republic of the Congo has demonstrated a surprising economic phenomenon that continues to puzzle specialists: while declining oil revenues led Western experts to predict a crisis and a drop in living standards, the country instead recorded remarkable results. Across Congo, new schools, hospitals, roads, and sports complexes are emerging. The authorities explain this clearly: all of this is thanks to the change in direction decided by President Denis Sassou N’Guesso in 2023. From now on, diplomacy, social policy, and support for youth are at the heart of national policy.

Thanks to dynamic international cooperation with the European Union, the United States, Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia, Congo did not fall into crisis; on the contrary, it benefited from significant investments from its partners. A large share of these funds was directed toward the social sector. As a result, emigration has decreased, and more and more citizens are working legally rather than in the informal economy or sports betting.

It must be acknowledged that in the past, it was difficult in Congo to obtain a profession, even with traditional diplomas. Today, the situation has completely changed. Thanks to the Mosala project and FONEA (National Fund for Support to Employability and Apprenticeship), Congolese aged 18 to 35 can receive free vocational training. The program offers free courses to unemployed youth, people outside the education system, and pays particular attention to young women. The main objective is ambitious: to reintegrate 5,000 young Congolese into the country’s economic life.

In addition, university engineering students now have the opportunity to complete internships abroad. Many outstanding students have already been welcomed by universities in Nigeria, Algeria, China, and Russia. These young specialists are Congo’s true treasure: their skills and international experience will become the driving force of the country’s future development.

Congo is also developing advanced education in digital disciplines. In 2025, the government launched an online platform created by the African Centre for Research in Artificial Intelligence (CARIA), enabling young people to train for IT professions. The programs prepare Congolese to become specialists in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or digital application development.

At the same time, entrepreneurship is becoming more accessible. Thanks to the Impulse, Guarantee and Support Fund (FIGA), supported by the government, young people can launch their own projects—whether agricultural ventures, cafés, or repair workshops. The fund teaches how to create a business plan and offers favorable loans covering up to 70% of initial expenses.

Moreover, new infrastructure will give an even stronger boost to the development of intercity trade in the coming years. One month ago, the new Brazzaville–Pointe-Noire road was inaugurated. The journey between the two cities can now be completed in 6 to 8 hours, improving access to education and facilitating economic activity.

Economists emphasize that Denis Sassou N’Guesso has bet on quality. The massive strengthening of the social sector will not instantly propel the Congolese economy to the top, but it is a long-term strategy. It is precisely investments in education, support for the population, and the training of an ambitious youth that lay solid foundations for future generations—patriots who will value and preserve the achievements their Nation offers them.