USAID programs strengthen the ability of the Government of the DRC and civil society organizations to deliver basic services, mobilize domestic resources, and encourage greater citizen participation in political processes. Our assistance supports free, fair, and credible elections, improves transparent and accountable government processes and rule of law, and improves access to information so that citizens may participate fully in the democratic process, and make more informed decisions. DRG programs contribute to citizen’s empowerment to hold institutions accountable and effectiveness of public and private institutions to deliver public services. By doing so, DRG programs improve the responsiveness of public institutions to citizens’ needs.
Integrated Governance Activity
Development Alternatives, Inc.
Jan 9, 2017 - Jan 8, 2023; $ 45.6 million
Strengthens key governance institutions to improve the delivery of health, education, and economic growth services at the community level by supporting public financial management and domestic resource mobilization to improve the social contract between citizens and the government in the DRC. This cross- sectoral activity integrates DRG principles (Participation, Inclusion, Transparency, and Accountability) into government public service delivery sectors. This activity: 1) strengthens the capacity of select Congolese government institutions to fulfill mandates; 2) increases effective development of targeted sub-national government entities through collaboration with citizens; and 3) increases citizen demand for accountable, transparent, and participatory government services. It operates in Kinshasa and select priority provinces (i.e. Kinshasa, Kasai Central, Kasai Oriental, Haut Katanga, Lualaba, Haut Uele, South Kivu, and North Kivu). The activity also collaborates with private sector mining companies, under USAID’s private sector engagement and Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) efforts, to improve local government management of mining royalties and public resources at large.
Media Sector Development Activity
FHI 360
July 1, 2019 - June 28, 2024; $16.5 million
Promotes a more open and vibrant media sector that contributes to more responsive and transparent institutions. This activity: 1) strengthens the legal and regulatory environment for media, including support for access to public information; 2) supports targeted media outlets to become more independent and professional; 3) increases access to high-quality public-interest reporting and combating misinformation; and 4) increases accurate and reliable information on electoral and political processes and reforms to Congolese citizens and supports existing youth movements and their online platforms to reduce disinformation on elections and political processes. The activity engages a total of 90 radios (76 community radio stations and 3 on-line media with USAID support) around the country to strengthen transparent communication to the Congolese people. The activity is implemented in the provinces of Kinshasa, Haut-Katanga, Lualaba, Tanganyka, South-Kivu, North-Kivu, Kasai Oriental and Kasai Central. With an additional $4.7 million from the Swedish International Development Cooperation and $400,000 from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the activity expanded to the provinces of Equateur, Tshopo, Haut-Uele, Bas-Uele, Ituri, Haut- Lomami, Kasai, Maniema, Kongo-Central, Tshuapa, South-Ubangi, North-Ubangi, and Kwilu.
DRC Elections Integrity Activity
Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS): International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) And the International Republican Institute (IRI)
Jul 24, 2018 - Nov 30, 2024; $9 million
Increases transparency and inclusion in elections, promotes citizen engagement of political and electoral processes, and conducts impartial ongoing analysis and reporting on political and electoral processes. This activity: 1) increases transparency and inclusion in election administration and 2) increases citizen engagement in political and electoral processes. This activity engages the National Independent Elections Commission (CENI) to improve capacity to hold free, fair, inclusive, transparent, and credible elections and improve the electoral process. The activity also supports the capacity of civil society groups to coordinate inclusive efforts and make recommendations to improve the credibility of the electoral process and improve civic and voter education.
Counter Trafficking in Persons Activity
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
April 24, 2020 - April 23, 2023; $3 million
Promotes coordination of the DRC Government’s national response to trafficking through support of the National Anti-Trafficking Agency. This activity: 1) improves investigation and prosecution of traffickers by strengthening counter-trafficking policies and legislation and improving the capacity of the state to investigate cases and prosecute offenders; 2) increases capacity of the new National Anti-Trafficking Agency to fulfill its mandate to develop and implement effective counter-trafficking policies and programs and collect and disseminate information on human trafficking; and 3) strengthens protection for victims of trafficking by undertaking mapping and an assessment of existing services for victims of trafficking and conducting capacity building training to improve assistance provided to victims.