The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) office in the Republic of the Congo has officially inaugurated the Youth Talent Lab, named “La Pépinière” (The Nursery), in Brazzaville.
This innovative space has been specifically designed to promote the empowerment, creativity, and leadership of Congolese youth. The high-profile ceremony was presided over by UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Dr. Diène Keita during her official visit to the country. Held on May 25, 2026, the event brought together a large number of young leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, alongside several key development partners heavily engaged in regional youth empowerment initiatives.
Designed as a true incubator for ideas and talent, “La Pépinière” aims to provide a modern, collaborative environment for learning where young people can sharpen their skills, benefit from professional mentorship, and test innovative digital solutions. Through this hands-on approach, the hub intends to empower youth to actively contribute to addressing pressing local social and economic challenges. In her opening remarks, Dr. Keita highlighted the exceptional potential of Congolese youth, noting that more than 70 percent of the country’s population is currently under the age of 35. She emphasized that the space belongs entirely to the youth, serving as a place where their collective ideas, creativity, and solidarity can become powerful drivers of social transformation and sustainable development.
The inauguration featured a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony that led directly into an interactive exchange between the UNFPA official and several rising Congolese entrepreneurs. During a dynamic mentoring session, Dr. Keita encouraged the young attendees to believe in their potential, hone their leadership skills, and take full advantage of the opportunities offered under the “Makoki” program, a specialized UNFPA Congo initiative dedicated to supporting and mentoring young talent. She also stressed the absolute importance of ensuring equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services, reliable information, and economic opportunities, describing these factors as essential pillars for personal development and national progress.
The gathering also served as a showcase for several ongoing innovative projects led by Congolese youth across diverse fields, including digital technology, health, civic engagement, and community resilience. Through the launch of this hub, UNFPA has reaffirmed its broader commitment to providing safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for the country’s youth to learn and engage in civic life. The Youth Talent Lab aligns with the global UNFPA youth strategy, titled “My Body. My Life. My World.”, as well as the commitments of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action, which places youth rights at the center of sustainable development. Moving forward, UNFPA plans to continue its close collaboration with the Congolese government, technical partners, and financial backers to strengthen investments in human capital and the future of Congolese youth.
TE/lb/abj/APA