Title: Critical Analysis of the Alignment Between the ICT School Curriculum and the Needs of the Job Market in the DRC: The Case of the Mbuji-Mayi 2 Sub-Division
Authors: ILUNGA KIFEMBE Corneille.
Volume: 9
Issue: 8
Pages: 29-47
Publication Date: 2025/08/28
Abstract:
: In a world increasingly driven by the digital economy, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) play a vital role in economic and social development. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly within the Mbuji-Mayi 2 Subdivision, ICT curricula in upper secondary scientific education fail to meet the growing demands of the labor market. This mixed-method study combines a documentary review of official curricula with field research involving teachers, students, and local private sector stakeholders. The findings reveal a significant mismatch between the skills taught in schools and those expected by employers. Outdated content, passive teaching methods, inadequate equipment, and a lack of professional integration characterize the current state of ICT education. This misalignment severely hinders the professional integration of young graduates in a rapidly evolving digital environment. The article advocates for a contextualized curriculum reform aligned with international standards, emphasizing a competency-based approach, the integration of digital tools, and strengthened partnerships between schools and the labor market.