DR Congo minister questioned over youth agriculture funds

National Assembly deputy Hermione Bolumbe Bakando has questioned the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Muhindo Nzangi, regarding the use of funds disbursed for the Youth Entrepreneurship Project in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PEJAB). She is seeking clarification on financing for young entrepreneurs, created businesses, and the Congolese state's contribution, with the project initially set to end in December 2025.

The inquiry focuses on 29.6 million USD already released by the African Development Bank, according to a June 2025 report cited by the deputy. Bolumbe Bakando also wants to know if the Congolese state's expected one million dollars contribution has been mobilized and how it was used. She is asking for the number of young people trained and financed, and the overall project progress.

The deputy also requested an assessment of the PEJAB's social impact in pilot provinces, including the number of companies created with legal documents from incubation centers. This information aims to evaluate the program's effectiveness in transforming beneficiaries into operational entrepreneurs and creating income-generating activities.

Why it mattersYoung Congolese entrepreneurs and the agricultural sector are affected by the accountability of funds allocated to the PEJAB program.

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