The ONEM at the heart of labour market reforms in the Democratic Republic of Congo
At the recent meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Mr Ferdinand Massamba wa Massamba, presented the significant progress made in implementing his ministry’s roadmap, in line with the recommendations from the 57ᵉ meeting of the Council of Ministers. This progress marks an important stage in the modernisation of the labour market in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with the Office National de l’Emploi (ONEM) – a member of the World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES) – as a key player.
Digitalisation and transparency of job offers
A new ministerial decree now requires all job offers to be submitted to the ONEM for approval before being published. The aim of this measure is to guarantee the transparency and traceability of vacancies on the labour market. In the same spirit, the national digital platform has been modernised in order to centralise the publication of vacancies and strengthen confidence between employers and candidates.
Closer supervision of private employment agencies
The Ministry has also granted a 30-day moratorium to private employment agencies (SPP) to comply with the new administrative requirements. An updated decree now specifies the conditions for opening, approving and operating these structures, in accordance with the resolutions of the 37ᵉ session of the National Labour Council. This reform contributes to a better balance between public and private employment services, while ensuring stricter regulation of the sector.
Application of the minimum wage and support for the agro-pastoral sector
A joint commission, bringing together several ministries and social partners, will be set up to define relief measures linked to the application of the Guaranteed Interprofessional Minimum Wage (SMIG). Particular attention will be paid to the agro-pastoral sector, which accounts for over 40% of jobs in the country.
Institutionalisation of work placements
The draft decree creating the Fonds d’insertion pour les stages professionnels (FISP) has been finalised. The aim of this scheme is to make internships a structuring stage between training and employment, facilitating the professional integration of young graduates and the development of local skills.
Promoting green jobs
Finally, the Ministry has announced new measures designed to strengthen the protection and promotion of the national workforce in the field of green jobs, in line with the priorities of the ecological transition and sustainable development.
These reforms reflect the Congolese government’s determination to strengthen the mechanisms for regulating and supporting the labour market. The ONEM, as an active member of WAPES, plays a central role in digitalisation, bringing private players into line and promoting sustainable and inclusive employment in the service of national development.