Lubumbashi, April 19, 2025 – The 2025 edition of Expo Béton Renaissance, held from April 16 to 19 in Lubumbashi, brought together the Democratic Republic of Congo’s leading political, economic, and industrial stakeholders under the theme: “Exhibition on the Development of Cities, Corridors, and Special Economic Zones.” The event, officially inaugurated by the President of the Republic, H.E. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, saw strong participation from the private sector, notably mining, construction, and transport companies.

Among institutional actors, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) stood out as a strategic partner supporting vocational training through the Project to Support Training and Qualified Employment (PAFEQ). In collaboration with the National Institute for Vocational Training (INPP) of Haut-Katanga, UNIDO hosted an exhibition booth and took part in a strategic panel discussion attended by policymakers and economic leaders.

A Concrete Response to Market Challenges

In his address, Joël Mukomba, Provincial Director of the INPP, representing the INPP’s Director General, Godefroid Stanislas Tshimanga, shared the institution’s vision: to develop a locally skilled workforce that meets market demands and can respond to the growing needs of domestic industries.

“INPP supports businesses through certified and continuous training – capacity building, skills enhancement, and adaptability. Our mission is to bridge the gap between youth, workers, and the requirements of the professional world,” he stated.

Mr. Mukomba also highlighted key challenges facing the vocational sector in the DRC, including inadequate training infrastructure and heavy reliance on foreign skilled labor. He reaffirmed INPP’s commitment to addressing these gaps through the PAFEQ initiative.

A Center of Excellence Nearing Completion

Raef Melayeh, UNIDO international project management expert and PAFEQ coordinator in the DRC, provided updates on the project’s progress. He announced that construction of the first Center of Excellence for Heavy Equipment and Commercial Vehicle Maintenance, located at the INPP in Lubumbashi, is 95% complete.

“The equipment has been deployed, training materials finalized, curricula validated, and trainers are ready. This week, we are launching the first continuing education sessions for industry professionals,” he reported.

A Regional Ambition for Skilled Employment

PAFEQ was designed to tackle the acute shortage of skilled technicians in heavy equipment and commercial vehicle maintenance in the DRC. The project is part of an ambitious public-private development initiative, funded by the Swedish government, with technical support from Volvo and Epiroc, and implemented by UNIDO in partnership with INPP for the training component.

Beyond training current professionals, the program also targets job seekers, offering them a sustainable pathway into a high-demand sector of the Congolese economy.