localization labs
DR Congo Localisation Lab
Overview
The DR Congo Lab process commenced in October 2024 following consultations with national organisations at the country level. The Lab is composed of 12 NEAR member organisations, all of which are national and local NGOs. The journey began by doing a baseline survey, mobilization of members, doing a mapping and cartography, membership to lab, mobilizing bridges and stakeholders, defining a structure and governance and defining an action plan. The Launch of the Lab will be done early February 2026.
The DR Congo lab’s structure is composed by 4 focal points from 4 Zones and a coordination team composed by 4 organizations within OPEN ( Secretariat) , BIFERD ( Convenor) , UPDDHE ( Advisor) and FAPROS ( Seed fund host)
The Bureau of Information, Training, Researches and Exchanges for Development “BIFERD” is a national NGO founded since 2004 and working in the sector of Humanitarian and Development. BIFERD NGO is member to NEAR since 2017 as the first NEAR member in DR Congo. As a Lab convenor, BIFERD has influence and relationship with other localization initiatives within Start Network, C4C, Together Program, DEMAC and the National Coalition of National NGOs (CONAFODH). The convenor committed to give time and Human resources to support the DR Congo Lab for 1 year period.
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Movement Building
Movement Building
Organized via 4 Zones representing all 26 provinces of DR Congo
The DR Congo Lab is now a big movement of National and Local NGOs. The movement has been built from a consultation of national NGOs at the country level, organization of national meeting (online) to discuss about the lab, the cartography of national NGOs, memberships and categorization, putting in place a governance structure and voting Focal Points.
The DR Congo Lab is organized via 4 Zones within Eastern, Southern, Western and Central Zones to representing all 26 provinces. The DR Congo lab has a developed Action Plan for 2026.
02
Building Bridges
Bridges
The DR Congo lab has developed bridges with other stakeholders within the National Coalition of National NGOs (CONAFODDH), Start Network, Together Program and Diaspora for Emergency Management (DEMAC) under Dan Refugees Councils. The DR Congo lab has participated in TOGETHER workshop in Nairobi in November 2025 and attended 2 meeting organized by Dan Refugees Council. DR Congo Lab collaborate with C4C and will commit to continue attending C4C periodic meeting.
National Coalition (CONAFODDH)
Bridging with the National Coalition of National NGOs to align localization advocacy at country level.
Start Network & Together Program
Participated in the TOGETHER workshop in Nairobi, November 2025, strengthening regional partnerships.
DEMAC & C4C
Engaging with Diaspora for Emergency Management under Dan Refugees Council and committing to C4C periodic meetings.