Fighting Poverty in DR Congo

Facts about DR Congo

Ravaged by years of armed conflict and civil war, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has seen much of its population displaced and in poverty. Over 60 percent of the population in the country lives at the poverty line, many of whom earn less than $2 a day.

The DR Congo, along with much of sub-Saharan Africa, is on the verge of a crisis. By 2035, the International Monetary Fund estimates the number of Africans joining the working age population will exceed the rest of the world combined. To fill this surge, 18 million jobs will have to be created each year for the next 20 years across Africa. In the meantime, Congolese rely on the informal sector for a chance to earn a living. In addition, access to basic services, like energy, water and sanitation, education, health care and agriculture, is often inadequate.

When poor people have access to financial services and life-enhancing products, they can create jobs, earn more, build their assets and cushion themselves against external shocks. Since 2003, FINCA has been fueling the informal sector and helping thousands of Congolese improve their lives. FINCA offers financial services, such as loans, savings and money transfer services throughout the country, and supports access to basic services through FINCA Ventures.