Last year we told you about a project called PAFEQ (Support Project for Training and Skilled Employment), jointly led by UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization), the Swedish government, Volvo, Epiroc, and SMT Africa to drive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
A double launch of the PAFEQ between Lubumbashi and Kolwezi.
Two ceremonies were held in October 2023, in Lubumbashi and Kolwezi, to formalize the launch of this five-year project that will design and deliver specialized training programs in the mining provinces of southeastern DRC. Two training centres will be associated with the launch of this new training offer and are already receiving multifaceted support from the project. These are the National Institute of Professional Preparation in Lubumbashi, Upper Katanga and the Manika Industrial Technical Institute (ITIMA) in Kolwezi, Lualaba Province. Eventually, the capacities of these two centres will be strengthened so that they can provide the region’s young people with training that meets the needs of businesses, thus improving their employability.
The PAFEQ, supported in a practical way by SMT RDC.
During the ceremony in Lubumbashi, a visit of the premises of SMT DRC was organized where the future trainers of the project are currently in internship. The delegation, which included His Excellency Henric Råsbrant, Ambassador of Sweden to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was able to inspect the components and course materials that SMT Africa and SMT RDC will provide to the project’s participating training centres to support them in their business. The young beneficiaries of this project will also have the opportunity to follow during internships the agents and mining agents of SMT RDC on the ground to forge a first-hand practical experience.
A promising PAFEQ project for the development of technical training in the DRC.
The Swedish ambassador expressed satisfaction with the progress made and stressed the importance of education and training for the sustainable socio-economic development of the DRC. He praised the central role of the PAFEQ initiative in creating educational and professional opportunities for young people, thereby contributing to youth empowerment and national capacity building.
Beyond the educational aspects, the PAFEQ project also highlights the commitment to the sustainable development of local communities. By strengthening the skills of young people in technical and professional sectors, the project aims to stimulate innovation, productivity and regional economic growth.
The official launch of the PAFEQ project in October 2023 marks a significant step towards the positive transformation of technical and vocational education in the DRC. SMT Africa, alongside its partners, continues to play a key role in this initiative, helping to shape a promising future for Congolese youth and the country’s sustainable development.