African Development Bank Initiative in Democratic Republic of Congo Sends Thousands of Children from Cobalt Mines Back to School

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The Support Project for the Alternative Welfare of Children and Young People Involved in the Cobalt Supply Chain (PABEA-Cobalt), initiated in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2019, is approaching the conclusion of its planned implementation in December 2024. Funded with US$78 million by the African Development Fund and the Transition Support Facility, this project has made significant strides in rescuing Congolese children from artisanal cobalt mines and training their parents in agricultural practices.

The project’s implementation and results report, released by the African Development Bank on January 26, 2024, highlights that 9,016 children (46.2% of whom are girls) have been withdrawn from the mines, while 3,235 young individuals (out of a target of 6,250) have been retrained in agriculture. Moreover, the initiative has facilitated the return of 2,425 boys and 2,044 girls to school, ensuring access to quality education.

Raymond Eyoh Besong, overseeing the project for the Bank, reflects on its achievements and emphasizes the fulfillment of its overarching objectives aimed at enhancing living standards in the Lualaba and Haut-Katanga Provinces and establishing a responsible cobalt ore supply chain in the DRC.

Extracting children from hazardous mines posed significant challenges, yet the project succeeded through a multifaceted approach. An in-depth analysis of the root causes, including household poverty and inadequate social infrastructure, informed the strategy, which engaged various stakeholders such as political leaders, civil society, and the private sector.

Transitioning children from mines to classrooms was facilitated by a holistic approach addressing social reintegration, health, nutrition, and parental engagement. The establishment of Youth Entrepreneurship Promotion Centers in Agribusiness garnered community support and ensured sustainability beyond the project’s duration.

The appeal of agribusiness as a safer alternative to mining drove nearly half of the targeted youth to embrace agricultural training, recognizing the risks associated with artisanal mining.

Despite significant progress, certain tasks remain outstanding, including the establishment of vocational training centers and sustained support for agricultural cooperatives.

Active communication played a pivotal role in achieving project objectives, leveraging diverse channels such as community radio, social media, and traditional media to disseminate information and engage stakeholders effectively.