The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is among the African countries richest in mineral resources, but its economy is heavily dependent on commodity price fluctuations and the economic performance of its main trading partners, making it particularly vulnerable.
On the social front, the Great Lakes Region is experiencing one of the most severe and protracted humanitarian crises in Africa, fueled by the continuation of armed conflicts in the eastern provinces. The M23 rebel group has recently escalated hostilities, seizing strategic cities such as Goma and territories in North and South Kivu provinces, causing thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of displaced people. The vulnerability of affected populations is further aggravated by widespread abuses and human rights violations. National security is also at risk due to the planned withdrawal of the UN stabilization mission MONUSCO in 2026.
In addition, in 2024 the DRC faced a serious Mpox epidemic, further worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.
Italian Cooperation has been present in the DRC since 2008, with initiatives in water, health, education, child protection, support for women victims of violence, and assistance to displaced people.
Currently, Italian Cooperation is focusing on the People pillar, addressing the humanitarian crisis with emergency interventions to improve access to essential services and protect vulnerable groups. The adopted approach integrates Humanitarian Aid, Development, and Peace, in line with UN emergency plans and EU strategy.
In 2024, in response to the escalation of conflict in the east, the Italian government allocated €1 million to UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and €2.5 million for humanitarian projects implemented by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).