DRC: Green jobs officially recognized by law  a turning point toward decent and sustainable work

The Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a major step forward in its employment policy. For the first time, green jobs and professions have received official legal recognition, following the signing of a historic interministerial decree between the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development and the New Climate Economy, Kinshasa, October 29, 2025 .

This decision, praised by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, marks a new phase for the country  the rise of an inclusive green economy that aims to reconcile growth, social justice, and environmental sustainability.

A Foundation for Decent Work

A total of 84 green professions have been validated and organized into 11 key sectors ranging from sustainable agriculture and renewable energy to waste management, forestry, and green hydrogen. These professions are now part of the National Directory of Green Jobs, developed by the National Institute of Professional Preparation (INPP).

According to Ferdinand Massamba wa Massamba, Minister of Employment and Labor:

“For the first time, we have a national tool that structures the supply and demand for green job skills. The State now officially recognizes these professions and positions them as a cornerstone of national employment policy.”

Beyond the numbers, the focus is on quality ensuring these jobs are decent, sustainable, and socially meaningful, providing young Congolese with stable career opportunities while advancing the country’s ecological transition.

A National Plan for 100,000 Green Jobs

The National Green Jobs Development Plan (PNDV-RDC) aims to create 100,000 green jobs over five years, starting with a first cohort of 15,000 trainees in 2026, including 5,000 from vulnerable communities.

The strategy is built around four key pillars: vocational training, green entrepreneurship, environmental governance, and the promotion of local value chains.

As Donat Bagula, Secretary-General for Employment and Labor, explained:

“Green jobs build bridges between the public, private, and community sectors. They restore dignity to work by combining income, purpose, and positive environmental impact.”

A Diplomatic and Ecological Lever

For Marie Nyange Ndambo, Minister of Environment, this recognition also strengthens the DRC’s diplomatic position ahead of the COP30 negotiations:

 “These instruments reflect our leadership in Africa’s green transition. They prove that protecting the planet can also mean creating value and quality employment for our people.”

Toward a Meaningful Economy

By structuring its green job ecosystem, the DRC is turning its environmental challenges  deforestation, pollution, food insecurity  into tangible economic opportunities.

This reform signals a shift in mindset, climate action is no longer seen as a cost but as a driver of stable, dignified, and future-oriented employment  placing human well-being and sustainability at the heart of national development.