DRC: President Félix Tshisekedi invests in youth for the future of his country

President Félix Tshisekedi is distinguished by his commitment to fostering a well-educated Congolese youth, aware of their crucial role in the country’s future development. On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at the marquee of the Palais du Peuple in Kinshasa, the presidential couple honored 74 laureates of the Excellentia program from the Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation, awarding them scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year. This initiative reflects the Head of State’s dedication to promoting academic excellence and preparing the next generation of leaders.

First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi expressed her gratitude to President Tshisekedi, whom she referred to as a “coach”, for his unwavering support of youth education. This support is evident not only through the Excellentia program but also in the implementation of ambitious policies such as free basic education, the modernization of educational infrastructure, and the promotion of youth entrepreneurship. The Head of State is thus ensuring that every young Congolese has the opportunity to receive an education and actively contribute to the nation’s development.

The Excellentia program, launched in 2019, aims to award 1.000 local scholarships and 100 international scholarships annually over a ten-year period. To date, 313 young people have benefited from this opportunity, including 205 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 65 in France, 38 in Morocco, and 5 in the United States. These numbers reflect President Tshisekedi’s ongoing commitment to investing in the country’s future through education.

By providing Congolese youth with educational opportunities and supporting their professional integration, President Félix Tshisekedi is laying the foundation for a generation capable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow. His vision for an educated and dynamic youth is a key pillar for the sustainable development of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Trésor Obiang