The education system in the DRC will play an important role in rebuilding the country's political institutions, stimulating growth and correcting inequalities. The management of an education policy consistent with general political and economic objectives is essential for the formulation of a comprehensive policy for the development of the country.The Congolese education system continues to develop slowly at all levels, despite the failure of public finances over the past two decades, economic

more »

... haos, political instability and war. Disorder and conflict in the second half of the nineties seem to have hindered primary education more than other levels of education. Enrolment growth has been the fastest in higher education. The growth of private institutions has far outpaced that of public institutions at all levels. However, this growth is relative to very low initial enrolment, so the public sector continues to be predominant at all levels, especially thanks to the free basic education advocated by the current Head of State.This study presents the types and characteristics of primary and secondary schools in the DRC in the current socio-economic context with a view to its improvement in the coming days and analyses recent trends and the current state of management of different levels of education in the DRC; highlighting both national characteristics and differences between provinces and social groups. It also presents a simulation of the financial implications of different education policy options, which may be useful for undertaking more precise planning of the sector.