Congolese unemployment that looks low
The ILO's modelled estimates, used by the World Bank, put unemployment at 4.4% in 2025. Agence Ecofin points out that this rate hides a large share of subsistence or informal jobs, often without a contract or social protection.
The minimum wage doubled in February 2025
An order signed on 31 December 2024 by the Minister of Labour raises the daily minimum wage from 7,075 to 14,500 Congolese francs. This amounts to about 290,000 Congolese francs a month on the basis of twenty working days.
Seniority and tripartite consultation
The same order provides for an increase of at least 3% for each full year of uninterrupted service. It follows consultations held in October 2024 between the ministry, employers and trade unions. The press later reported friction in the mining sector.
Inflation and purchasing power in the DRC
The Banque centrale du Congo recorded 23.75% inflation at the end of 2023, then 11% at the end of 2024. When negotiating pay, set the proposed salary against this background and confirm whether it is paid in Congolese francs or dollars.
ONEM, the national employment office
The Office national de l'Emploi was created by decree on 3 July 2002 and its statutes were set in January 2012. It plays a central role: Article 47 of the labour code requires every written contract to be submitted for its approval.
ONEM.cd and MIKUBA, employment goes digital
On 8 July 2026 the government launched the ONEM.cd web and mobile platform and the MIKUBA app. Candidates create a profile, browse vacancies and apply, while employers post jobs and shortlist. The stated goal is 6.4 million jobs.
The Congolese labour code
Law No. 015/2002 of 16 October 2002 establishes the labour code; it was amended by Law No. 16/010 of 15 July 2016. Social security falls under Law No. 16/009, adopted on the same day.
Forty-five hours a week at most
Article 119 of the code limits work to 45 hours a week and 8 hours a day. Anything beyond that counts as overtime paid at a higher rate. A 2013 order sets out the detailed rules on working hours and schedules.
Foreign nationals: a work permit is compulsory
A foreign national may be employed only if they hold a work permit, the World Bank notes. The issuing authority and the exact procedure have not been verified, so the employer must clarify them before the contract is signed.
The DRC, a major hub for humanitarian recruitment
Devex counted 1,534 development vacancies in the DRC over twelve months at the end of 2024, excluding the UN and large NGOs, ranking second in Africa. ReliefWeb also lists regional posts there. Our feature on NGO careers presents these roles and their requirements.
Congolese mining and technical trades
The mining sector recruits technical profiles; according to the EITI, cited by Agence Ecofin, the number of women employed there reached its highest level in five years in 2021. Our page on mining and energy jobs describes the profiles sought by operators and subcontractors.
Brazzaville and Lusaka: looking across the border
Mobile candidates compare with employment in Congo-Brazzaville, across the river, or with the Zambian market, the neighbour to the south-east. Salaries, working language and immigration formalities differ markedly from one country to another.
Key employment players in the DRC
- Office national de l'Emploi (ONEM): Public agency created in 2002: approval of written contracts, ONEM.cd and MIKUBA platforms launched in 2026.
- Ministère de l'Emploi et du Travail: Ministry that presented the digital employment platforms in July 2026.
- Banque centrale du Congo: Publishes inflation data, useful for judging the purchasing power of a salary in Congolese francs.
- Banque mondiale – procédure de main-d'œuvre RDC: 2021 document summarising the labour code, statutory hours and the rules for foreign nationals.
- ReliefWeb Jobs: Humanitarian and development vacancies, including a regional post in the DRC seen in October 2026.
- JobnetAfrica: Site for managers and expatriates listing vacancies based in the DRC in October 2026.
Step-by-step approach in the DRC
- Create your profile on ONEM.cd or the MIKUBA app and switch on alerts for your field.
- Add ReliefWeb, Devex and JobnetAfrica if you are aiming for NGOs or a management post.
- Prepare a CV in French, with an English version for international organisations.
- Make sure your written contract is submitted for ONEM approval.
- Compare the salary offered with the minimum wage of 14,500 Congolese francs a day and the seniority increase.
- If you are a foreign national, obtain your work permit before your first day.
Key figures on work in the DRC
| Indicator | Value | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Daily minimum wage (ordinary labourer) | 14,500 Congolese francs, about USD 5.07 | order of 31/12/2024, in force February 2025 |
| Indicative monthly minimum wage | about 290,000 Congolese francs (20 days) | Agence Ecofin, January 2025 |
| Maximum statutory hours | 45 hours a week, 8 hours a day | Labour code, Art. 119 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | ILO modelled estimate via the World Bank, 2025 |
| Inflation | 11% at end-2024 | Banque centrale du Congo |
Documents required to work in the DRC
- CV and cover letter
- Certified degrees and certificates
- Identity document or passport
- Criminal record extract
- Written contract approved by ONEM
- Work permit for foreign nationals
Pitfalls of the Congolese job market
- Paying a fake agent who promises a post in a mine or an NGO: a reputable employer or NGO never charges for hiring.
- Accepting pay below the 2025 minimum wage by referring to the old rate of 7,075 Congolese francs a day.
- Working without a work permit as a foreign national, even for a short consultancy assignment.
- Signing a contract without ONEM approval, which weakens your position in the event of a dispute.
- Looking for the ONEM.cd address through dubious links: check the official address with the ministry before entering your data.
Employment in the DRC in a few questions
What is the minimum wage in the DRC in 2025?
Since February 2025 the daily minimum wage for an ordinary labourer has been 14,500 Congolese francs, about 5.07 dollars, up from 7,075 previously. That comes to almost 290,000 a month over twenty working days, with at least 3% per year for seniority.
How do I register on ONEM.cd?
The platform launched on 8 July 2026 lets you create a profile, browse vacancies and apply online, also through the MIKUBA app. The official address has not been verified in our sources, so use the ministry's channels to avoid fake sites.
How many hours a week do people work in the DRC?
Article 119 of the labour code sets a maximum of 45 hours a week and 8 hours a day. Hours worked beyond that are overtime, which entitles the employee to a higher rate of pay.
Does a foreign national need a work permit in the DRC?
Yes. A foreign national may be employed only if they hold a work permit, according to the code as summarised by the World Bank. The competent authority and the exact documents must be confirmed with the employer or the administration.
Official sources
Agence Ecofin – SMIG RDC 2025agenceecofin.com
Agence Ecofin – ONEM.cd et MIKUBAagenceecofin.com
Devex – pôles de recrutement en Afriquedevex.com
Information up to date as of October 2026. AfriqueJob.com does not recruit and never asks for money: beware of offers that demand fees.