Belgium and Congo have agreed on a new cooperation programme, Minister of Development Cooperation Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) stated on Saturday.
The agreement, which will be signed on Monday by his Congolese counterpart Christophe Lutundula Apala, focuses on Congolese youth and women. The last cooperation agreement between the two countries dates back to 2010.
After a turbulent period, Brussels and Kinshasa began working on a rapprochement in 2019. This has resulted in the new programme, which is due to be in place from 2023 to 2027.
Belgium will contribute €50 million to the programme each year, which includes projects that will guide young people towards basic education, vocational training, decent work and entrepreneurship.
Other areas of precedence include making health care physically and financially accessible as well as funding the fight against sexual violence. Funds will also be provided for the protection of Congolese forests.
With the programme, Belgium and Congo look towards their future, said Minister Vandenbroucke. “Almost half of the population in Congo is under 15 years old – 68% is younger than 25. There is enormous potential there... We want to give as many Congolese young people as possible every opportunity to get an education, find a good job, or start their own business."
"Investing in the younger generations is investing in a sustainable and prosperous future for the whole country,” Vandenbroucke said. The new cooperation program will be signed on Monday by Vandenbroucke and Lutundula Apala.
