Landmark breakthrough: DRC public sector workers secure historic wage policy deal

Kinshasa, November 11, 2026 – In a decisive moment for Congo’s public administration, delegates from the National Inter-Union of Public Administration (Intersyndicale nationale de l’administration publique, Inap) have formally endorsed the landmark wage policy agreement negotiated with the government. The validation came during a general assembly attended by over 600 union representatives, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s approach to public sector remuneration.

« Today represents a turning point in our struggle for equitable compensation, » declared Fidèle Kiyangi, Inap President, addressing the assembled delegates. « After thorough deliberations, we’ve reached an agreement that addresses long-standing disparities in public sector wages. Our 600 delegates will now mobilize to ensure widespread understanding of these historic changes. »

The newly approved policy represents a comprehensive overhaul of Congo’s public sector compensation structure, covering all civil servants from the President of the Republic down to entry-level staff, including teachers, security forces personnel, and elected officials. The reform addresses longstanding grievances about salary discrepancies across different administrative grades and departments.

Next critical phase: Transitioning from approval to implementation

While celebrating this milestone achievement, union leaders have emphasized that the critical next phase remains: government implementation of the agreed terms. « The satisfactory validation represents just 90% of our work, » Kiyangi stressed. « The remaining 10% — and perhaps the most challenging — will be ensuring these commitments become reality through concrete government action. »

The union delegation has called on President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo to personally instruct relevant ministries to prioritize the policy’s execution. « We need to see immediate steps toward creating the necessary legal framework — through decrees, orders, and implementing regulations — that will transform these principles into tangible benefits for public servants, » Kiyangi explained.

Transformative targets: Closing the wage gap

Among the policy’s most ambitious goals is raising the base salary for court ushers to at least 800,000 Congolese francs within a decade, provided national budget reaches $100 billion. This target forms part of a broader strategy to eliminate salary disparities between different administrative departments and professional grades, creating a more transparent and equitable compensation system.

The reform’s scope encompasses all public servants funded through the national treasury, ensuring no sector or professional category is left behind. Beyond immediate wage increases, the unions are advocating for a more fundamental restructuring of Congo’s salary system to better reflect the country’s economic realities while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Building trust through concrete action

Union representatives have stressed that successful implementation will require ongoing dialogue with the government to establish clear implementation timelines and budgetary commitments. « Social partners must be reassured that the government’s commitments will be honored, » noted Kiyangi. « This reform isn’t just about numbers on a payslip — it’s about restoring dignity to public service in Congo. »

The historic agreement represents the culmination of months of negotiations between government representatives and public sector unions. As the policy moves from validation to implementation, all eyes will be on government authorities to demonstrate the political will needed to transform this breakthrough into lasting change for Congo’s dedicated civil servants.