At IWOF, our mission is to uplift communities suffering in silence. As we look at the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), we face deeply entrenched hardship. This post outlines the average wages, poverty, hunger, disease and unemployment that shape daily life for millions, and why our support is more critical than ever.

How much people earn

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), formal-sector workers earn on average about 109,000 Congolese francs per month, roughly US $40/month, while the official minimum wage is approximately 7,075CDF (€2.5) per day. Unfortunately, weak enforcement means many workers, even in urban areas, earn less than the minimum, especially those in rural or informal work. Income is rarely sufficient to cover basic needs, leaving most households highly vulnerable to shocks.

Poverty rate

An estimated 73.5% of the population live on less than US $2.15/day in 2024, placing the DRC among the five poorest countries globally. According to older World Bank data, around 62–65% live below national poverty lines. Massive inequality, weak infrastructure, and ongoing conflict entrench this poverty. Despite abundant resources (including cobalt, copper, gold and diamonds) the wealth rarely reaches ordinary Congolese.

Unemployment & informal work

Official estimates put the national unemployment rate at about 4.5–4.6% in 2024. However, that statistic hides the reality: over 90% of working people are employed informally, lacking job security, social protections, or fair wages. Youth unemployment is typically higher than official rates suggest, and under-employment is widespread, particularly in rural zones where labor demand is seasonal.

Hunger, malnutrition & starvation risk

DRC faces one of the largest hunger crises globally. As of March 2025 more than 28 million people were experiencing acute food insecurity, with 3.9 million at emergency levels (IPC Phase 4). Nationwide, 69% of the population suffer undernutrition, while among children under five, stunting affects 43%, wasting 8% (3% severe), and underweight 23%. The scale of hunger is exacerbated by conflict-related displacement and skyrocketing food inflation, which reached nearly 173% by 2023 in some regions.

Mortality and health outlook

Health indicators in the DRC remain grim. The under-five mortality rate is about 199 per 1,000 births, with 26% of those deaths occurring in the neonatal period. Maternal mortality is extremely high, around 670 deaths per 100,000 births, and the risk of lifetime maternal death stands at 1 in 24. Life expectancy is estimated at approximately 61 years overall, though many sources suggest real life expectancy may be lower due to disease outbreaks and deprivation.

Summary table of key figures

Why this matters to IWOF

At IWOF, we see how these figures translate into human suffering. Most families struggle on less than US $3 a day, leaving no room for emergencies or meaningful investment in health, education, or nutrition.

Children face chronic hunger and poor growth in regions where food access is impossible to guarantee. Mothers deliver without proper care, and many infants do not survive their fifth birthday. Informal workers who make up the vast majority remain perpetually vulnerable, often without contracts, benefits, or protection.

Conflict and displacement worsen conditions: growing violence in eastern provinces drives millions into hunger crises and disrupts markets, schools, and health systems.

Final reflection

Despite being deeply rich in natural resources, the DRC remains trapped in poverty. Low incomes, weak institutions, and persistent conflict inhibit progress. Even though the average wage in formal jobs may reach US $40/month, and minimum wages exist on paper, most Congolese earn far less and live in precarious circumstances.

How You Can Help — and Why It Matters

At IWOF, our response is grounded in both compassion and practical action. The figures in this article reflect the devastating daily reality for millions—but together, we can make a tangible difference. Through our programs, including nutrition support, school supplies, and maternal healthcare, we bring hope to children and families struggling against unimaginable odds.

One powerful way you can help right now is by supporting our Back to School 2025, which equips children in the DRC with the essentials they need to attend school.

You can also visit our donation page to contribute directly to IWOF’s life-saving programs. Every dollar stretches far and goes directly toward those who need it most.

Let’s not turn away from these realities, let’s rise together to respond.