Skip to main content
Skip to sub-navigation
About USAID Our Work Locations Policy Press Business Careers Stripes Graphic USAID Home
United States Agency for International Development  Democratic Republic of the Congo USAID
Africa Home
COUNTRY AND REGIONAL PROGRAMS
Sectors »
Initiatives »
Success Stories »
Photo Library »
Publications »
Press Room »
Search


Map of Africa highlighting country location.

Country Program Materials

USAID/DR Congo Links

USAID/DR Congo Mission

www.usaid.gov/cg
Mission Director:

  • Anthony Gambino

Local Address:

  • 198 Isiro Avenue
    Kinshasa / Gombe
    DR Congo
    Tel: 243-81-700-5701
    Fax: 243-880-3274

From the US:

  • USAID
    American Emabassy Kinshasa
    Unit 31550
    APO AE 09828

USAID's Strategy in DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is moving, slowly and haltingly, towards reunification of the country, national elections, and the end of conflicts involving both external and internal parties. However, the depth of poverty and the scale of need in the DRC remain enormous, with roughly two-thirds of the population living in rural areas and ensnared by desperate poverty. This poverty manifests itself in extremely low incomes and purchasing power, abysmal access to and availability of fundamental health services, and a near total lack of basic education. The capital, Kinshasa, with an estimated eight million people, already is dangerously overcrowded, with most people lacking access to basic services. A U.N. human development report in 2002 ranks DRC, with a population of 55 million, as 155 out of 173 countries.

U.S. national interests in the DRC are to: promote democratic systems and practices; resolve regional conflicts; assist refugees and victims; promote economic growth in developing and transitional economies; and promote international health. The reduction of poverty, conflict and despair will lessen the likelihood of the region serving as a breeding ground for recruits into terrorist activities. Improved regional stability and economic growth will facilitate progress in the global war on terrorism. Reducing the rate of transmission of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases and improving health status in the region will diminish the risk of further economic disruption, political disintegration, impoverishment and conflict.

Back to Top ^

Star