The fight against corruption and the push for good governance in the DRC is growing through innovative programs that encourage social change in creative ways. Accountability Lab DRC is working hard to influence norms and behaviors, build capacity, and strengthen trust between communities and powerholders. The team is inspiring a grassroots movement against corruption through issues like local budgets, bribery and infrastructure development.

Accountability Lab DRC is also addressing corruption trends through civic engagement with government officials. Our work aims to change attitudes toward corruption by promoting accountability, mobilizing youth, and advocating for fiscal transparency. We achieve this through initiatives like the Integrity Icon campaign, Civic Action Teams (CivActs), and the Accountability Incubator, along with creative projects that promote integrity through film and art.

By engaging young people, our programs use innovative methods—like film production and civic initiatives—to inspire change and empower youth as agents of reform. The goal is to reduce corruption and promote values of integrity and good governance in Eastern DRC, especially in Bukavu.

Integrity Icon Program

Integrity Icon aims to change the narrative around corruption by recognizing exemplary figures in governance. Over the past three years, we’ve celebrated 19 Icons who have made significant contributions in their communities. These individuals, including teachers and judges, have shown strong ethical leadership in North and South Kivu.

For example:

• Espérance Nantogole is a dedicated nurse in South Kivu who provides quality care despite challenging conditions. She also contributes to her community through a local radio station and shares skills in sewing and agriculture.
• Kiza Muhato, the Mayor of Uvira, has improved governance standards, while balancing his job with his role as a pastor. He’s also led campaigns for increased transparency.

In the past year, we held successful leadership training for 45 Integrity Icons and civil society, focusing on ethical behavior in public affairs. We also organized a retreat for past and present Icons to share experiences and strategies for promoting good governance. The recent Electoral Integrity Summit brought together over 70 participants to discuss the importance of integrity in elections.

Civic Action Teams

Civic Action Teams (CivActs) mobilize community members around issues of tax transparency and accountability. Through workshops and public sessions, CivActs supports citizens to hold their leaders accountable. The campaign also ensures that communities are kept informed of updates and resolutions, via local radio stations and posters.

The program included 12 community dialogues on the electoral process, allowing citizens to express concerns about coercion, fake news, and other challenges. Our radio campaigns reached around 150,000 people, providing knowledge on local electoral rights and responsibilities. CivActs also organized town hall meetings where community members engaged directly with local leaders, successfully mediating conflicts like land disputes.

Arts4Change Project

Recognizing the impact of art, the Arts4Change project produced three films on open governance and electoral integrity, created by young DRC filmmakers. These films fostered discussions on good governance, with screenings attracting over 800 poeple. The Voice2Rep Music for Change Fellowship supported young artists to create songs promoting accountability. They performed at a concert attended by over 600 fans!

Accountability Incubator

The Accountability Incubator supports entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at civic engagement. The latest group of 10 Accountapreneurs launched projects to enhance electoral accountability, from mobile apps for reporting fraud to voter education workshops.

Accountapreneurs reported positive experiences, noting growth in their initiatives. One project developed a radio show reaching 50,000 listeners with information on electoral participation. This year, we emphasized diverse perspectives, focusing on women and marginalized communities, ensuring their voices are heard in civic discussions.

These programs are helping to build a foundation for a more accountable and transparent government in the DRC.

Naseera Noor-Mahomed