DRC youth at heart of sustainable development drive

JOINT PRESS RELEASE

Kinshasa, July 11, 2026 – As the world marks World Population Day, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is turning its demographic advantage into action. With over 65% of its people under 25, the nation has chosen a powerful theme for the occasion: ‘Fulfilling young dreams today and tomorrow’. This slogan captures a bold vision: harnessing the energy of youth to power sustainable growth.

The United Nations Population Fund and the Ministry of Planning are sounding a clear alert: the future of the DRC hinges on turning its youth bulge into an engine of progress. In a time of sweeping global demographic shifts, the country is positioning its age structure as a strategic asset rather than a liability.

Youth voices: what the data really says

A landmark UNFPA study—based on surveys with 100,000 young people across 73 countries—challenges common assumptions. In the DRC, as elsewhere, young people want to build families, but face daunting barriers: shaky economies, scarce jobs, and unaffordable housing.

Eighty-eight percent say financial security must come first. This isn’t a rejection of family; it’s a demand for real opportunity and stability. Reflecting on these findings, the UNFPA Executive Director stresses that top-down population policies fail unless they tackle the hurdles young people themselves identify. As one youth leader put it: ‘The problem isn’t choosing to have fewer children—it’s having fewer choices.’

From crisis response to long-term growth

Amid ongoing challenges, especially in the eastern provinces, UNFPA and the Government are deepening their partnership. Guided by the National Strategic Development Plan (2024–2028), their joint agenda rests on two pillars:

• Expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services and quality education, empowering young people—especially girls and vulnerable women—to take charge of their bodies and futures.

• Supporting the second General Population and Housing Census (RGPH2) and building Demographic Dividend profiles across provinces, so investments reach areas where youth needs are most urgent.

A call for smart investment

UNFPA emphasizes that funding youth isn’t an expense—it’s the soundest investment a country can make. True prosperity arrives when young people can fully contribute to building the nation. ‘From north to south, east to west, young voices have spoken. Now it’s time to listen—and act. It’s time to create the conditions that let them choose the families they want and turn dreams into reality,’ the Executive Director urges.

Both UNFPA and the Ministry of Planning are rallying development partners, civil society, and the private sector to join a constructive dialogue. Together, they aim to reshape the narrative and forge a resilient, innovative Congo for generations to come.