DR Congo: Ngandu Emerges as a Leading Model for Community Innovation and Sustainability
In the Ngandu neighborhood, located in the commune of Kimbanseke in Kinshasa, a quiet yet profound transformation is taking place. Through the Savings for Transformation (S4T) approach introduced by World Vision DRC, formerly vulnerable families have learned to save, manage, and invest their resources collectively.
Since the formation of the first savings group in 2013, named “Tosala Mosala mpo to zua”, which means “Let’s work to achieve”, the community has grown into a network of 135 savings groups, bringing together 3,202 members, including 2,501 women and 23 persons living with disabilities.
This growing momentum led to the creation of the Ngandu Savings and Credit Groups Association (AGECN‑ASBL), a unified structure dedicated to financial governance, long-term sustainability, and strengthening community solidarity.
“Thanks to our savings group, I was able to build a house, educate my children, and start a small livestock project,” says Philomène, president of the Maman Lamuka savings group.
The impact is visible across the neighborhood: families have built homes, children are staying in school, income‑generating activities are multiplying, and solidarity among households continues to grow.
In 2024, a major breakthrough emerged with the creation of the Ngandu Health Mutual (MUSANGA‑ASBL). This initiative was born out of the community’s urgent need to reduce medical expenses that were pushing many households into further vulnerability.
Through a partnership with the Bisengo Mwambe Referral Health Center, members now access affordable medical care and essential medicines.
“Without my contribution to the mutual, I might not be alive today,” shares Maman Léonie, president of the Allégresse savings group.
Dr. Jean‑Claude, Chief Medical Officer, adds:
“Thanks to the mutual, members receive care and medicines at a reduced cost. It is a true social innovation for our area.”
With support from CEPRODEKI (Centre for the Promotion and Development of Kinshasa), 20 field agents were trained and sensitized 2,589 members, including 1,691 women. The S4T approach helped create 13 new savings groups, while maintaining a consolidated total of 135 active groups.
Together, these groups mobilized 436,466,360 CDF (198,393.8 USD) in cumulative savings. Additionally, 1,327 members accessed loans totaling 224,715,634 CDF (102,143.47 USD).
Overall, these initiatives positively impacted 9,552 children, including 5,470 girls, 1,221 sponsored children, and 15 children living with disabilities.
According to Étienne, the CEPRODEKI Coordinator:
“Thanks to World Vision’s training, we moved from 20 groups in 2013 to a consolidated total of 135 active groups today. Our responsibility is to prepare the community to sustain itself before and after World Vision’s departure.”
Today, with AGECN‑ASBL and the MUSANGA Health Mutual, Ngandu is entering a new phase, becoming a strong cooperative, a structured network of financial and health solidarity, and a model that can be replicated in other communities across the country.