From poverty to prosperity: A life transformed through savings and entrepreneurship in DRC

Standing in front of his store in the quiet village of Katelwa, on the banks of the Congo River, Dieudonné Kabila Kongolo reflects.

After years of violence in his village in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and struggling to provide for his family, in 2022 Dieudonné began taking part in the USAID-funded Tanganyika Conflict Mitigation and Reconciliation project, or TCMR. Implemented by Pact in partnership with the Diocesan Commission for Justice and Peace (CDJP), TCMR is working to build peace between the DRC’s Twa and Bantu people. The project includes economic recovery and financial inclusion interventions, which Dieudonné and his family desperately needed. 

At first, Dieudonné was skeptical about the project's ability to change his situation. However, with a little encouragement and training from Pact staff, he decided to get involved. He received training in financial education with particular emphasis on savings, credit management, expense management and budgeting. He also received seeds to cultivate his field and cover his family's food needs. 

He joined a Pact-supported WORTH community banking group. WORTH's unique model brings together groups of 20 to 25 people to save money, access credit and create small businesses. Participants also learn to read, write and count, and acquire business skills.

With income from the sale of his crops, Dieudonné began to save a small portion each week, despite the daily challenges he faced. 

In early 2023, his WORTH group completed its first six-month cycle, and its members shared the dividends. Dieudonné alone received 425,000Fc, or about $157. He used the money to set up his store and buy chickens for breeding. 

Dieudonné had always wanted to offer his community a place where they could buy essential products and everyday items without having to travel long distances; before his shop, this didn’t exist. His business was soon flourishing, and it quickly became a gathering place for the Twa and Bantu of his village and neighboring villages.

Conflict between the Twa and Bantu has destroyed lives and livelihoods here, and led to the displacement of 500,000 people. The TCMR project has strengthened around 100 community-based peacebuilding, livelihood and conflict mitigation structures, including youth associations, women's groups and peace committees. And the project has helped people to rebuild economically. 

Today, Dieudonné has vast savings, around 20 chickens and a 1-hectare cassava field. His children help to look after the chickens, and Dieudonné has hired members of his community to help him in his field, creating much needed jobs. He has managed to improve his own financial situation as well as that of his wider community. 

"The support and guidance I received from Pact and CDJP, particularly in the WORTH group, made me what I am today,” he says. “For me and my family, the TCMR project is an answer to the many life problems that tormented us.”

Dieudonné’s story has inspired others to follow his example of entrepreneurship. 

“After we returned to Katelwa from our village of refuge during the conflicts, many families, including mine, depended on aid,” Dieudonné recalls. “But since we've been working with Pact, i've been able to look after my family without too much trouble.”

Dieudonné's story shows how access to well-managed credit can transform the lives of individuals and bring positive impact for entire communities.

“Thanks to the training I’ve received on the WORTH approach, I’ve also initiated a similar practice in my family. We make family contributions, and at the end of a three-month cycle, we share the money,” Dieudonné explains. 

“Little by little, we're going to continue with this so that it remains a habit for future generations.”