Urbanization and Informal Settlements in Democratic Republic of Congo: Implications for Social Welfare Systems

Urbanization in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has accelerated significantly over recent decades, leading to an increase in informal settlements due to rapid population growth and rural-to-urban migration. These settlements often lack adequate infrastructure and social services. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilising semi-structured interviews with community leaders, local government officials, and residents of informal settlements in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Data analysis focuses on thematic content to identify recurring themes and patterns. Interviews revealed that over 70% of residents in informal settlements lack access to basic sanitation facilities such as toilets and running water. This severely impacts their health and hygiene practices, highlighting a significant gap in provision for these essential services. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive social welfare reforms specifically tailored to support informal settlement communities in DRC. Current systems are insufficient to meet the diverse needs of residents. Recommendations include prioritising infrastructure development, enhancing access to healthcare and education within these settlements, and implementing targeted community engagement initiatives to foster inclusive governance models.