Lubumbashi, August 2025 – The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) flagship support to Training and Qualified Employment Project (PAFEQ) is entering a decisive implementation phase, with state-of-the-art Centers of Excellence in heavy equipment and commercial vehicle maintenance nearing completion and training programs already underway.

Launched in 2022 at the request of the Government of the DRC, PAFEQ is funded by Sweden, implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and delivered in partnership with the Institut National de Préparation Professionnelle (INPP) and the Institut Technique Industriel Manika (ITIMA).

The initiative directly addresses the acute shortage of skilled professionals in the mining heartlands of Haut-Katanga and Lualaba provinces, where more than 3,800 qualified positions, including mechanics, operators, drivers, and electricians, remain unfilled each year.

Infrastructure Ready to Deliver Excellence

Rehabilitation of INPP’s Lubumbashi workshop, soon to serve as the national Center of Excellence, is in its final stages, with specialized training equipment ready for installation. Meanwhile, since April, targeted continuing training has been delivered directly on-site at partner companies such as SEP-CONGO and MULYKAP, ensuring rapid response to the sector’s most urgent skills needs.

“Our original vision is now coming to life. Companies are training their teams, the first modules are running, and our partner network continues to grow,” said Raef Melayeh, PAFEQ Coordinator.

Comprehensive, Modern Training Resources

PAFEQ has developed three complete training programs for heavy equipment and commercial vehicle maintenance, supported by 17 general training guides, three instructor manuals, three training frameworks, and one certification framework. Twenty-five illustrated modules, covering roadbuilding and construction machinery maintenance, are now available in both hard and digital formats, enabling flexible, high-quality learning

Advancing Gender Inclusion in Technical Trades

With a target of 5–10% female participation in technical training, PAFEQ is actively engaging companies and communities to challenge socio-cultural barriers and open pathways for women into skilled professions.

“Training builds value, including young women, builds a fairer, more competitive sector,” Melayeh added.

Strengthened Partnerships and Outreach

 

PAFEQ has raised its visibility through active participation in leading industry and employment events, including the Nkelo Bantu Forum, Expo Beton, the Katanga Business Meeting, and the DRC Mining Week. These platforms have strengthened strategic alliances and attracted new public and private sector.

Looking Ahead

With the Lubumbashi Center of Excellence set to open and training capacity enhanced at ITIMA and CDR Kolwezi, PAFEQ is poised to scale up its programs in the coming months. The goal: to train both young graduates and experienced workers upgrading their skills, meeting the mining sector’s surging demand, and creating sustainable, high-quality employment opportunities for women and men across the DRC.