Talents Pluriels Project: Empowering professionals and strengthening communities

Celebrating Talents Pluriels: Four Years of Empowering Youth and Strengthening Communities in the DRC
Over the past four years, Talents Pluriels has helped transform economic opportunities for thousands of young people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Through coaching, training, and entrepreneurial support, the program strengthened pathways to employment and helped participants build sustainable livelihoods in their communities.

Program Results at a Glance
Between 2022 and 2026, the program archived significant results:

• 6,754 youth trained in employability and entrepreneurship
• 3,236 participants supported in self‑employment or business creation
• 640 small enterprises legalized
• 450 youth hired or placed in internships
• 3,873 family and community members reached through extended impact

These numbers reflect the determination of participants and the commitment of our local and national partners who helped make the program a success. They demonstrate the lasting impact Talent Pluriels has had since its launch with support from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

Empowering individuals through skills and confidence
For many young people, especially women,  LGBTQIA individuals, people with disabilities, and those displaced, finding stable employment proved to be challenging. Talents Pluriels created opportunities for participants to build, confidence, enhance business skills, and envision a different future.

Charly Solo is one participant whose journey illustrates the program’s impact. Born with a physical condition that led to discrimination, Charly completed her schooling overcoming many challenges. Through Talents Pluriels, she learned how to organize her business, set prices, manage profits, and build supportive working relationships.

“By participating in this program, I hoped for guidance and follow‑up and Cuso made that possible,” she shared. “Thanks to this project, I’ve become self‑sufficient.”

Supporting women entrepreneurs to scale and thrive
Entrepreneurship also became a pathway to financial stability and leadership for many participants.

Louisine Simiret, who works in textile recycling, gained leadership, mentoring, and business management skills that helped her strengthen her enterprise and position it for growth.

Rachel Kasongo, who specializes in handcrafted leather goods, used the program’s training to refine her pricing, improve financial management, and formalize her business.

“Networking with other entrepreneurs, both at Cuso and elsewhere, has broadened my horizons,” Rachel said. “This knowledge allows me to manage my finances optimally.”

Strengthening inclusive community environments
Beyond individual support, Talents Pluriels collaborated with local organizations, businesses, and leaders to promote more inclusive practices. This created environments where young people in underserved communities can succeed.

In Lubumbashi, the program supported Wenze au Pluriel, a marketplace‑style initiative where young entrepreneurs showcased their products, connected with new customers, and celebrated Congolese talent. It became a platform for visibility, opportunity, and community connection.

A lasting legacy
As Talents Pluriels concludes, its legacy lives on in the enterprises, improved livelihoods, and empowered young leaders it leaves behind. With new skills, renewed confidence, and growing networks, participants are better positioned to contribute to their communities and shape their own futures.

Cuso International remains committed to supporting inclusive economic opportunities across the DRC and beyond, building on the foundations created through Talents Pluriels.