CIPASTI Project : Advancements in Training and Innovation at ULC-Icam

International
11 Feb 2025

The CIPASTI project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, led by the Loyola University of Congo (ULC) and Icam, aims to strengthen and develop ULC-Icam training programs for key sectors in the DRC, including energy, services, civil engineering, and processing industries.

 

Selected in 2023 during the second edition of the “Africa-France Academic Partnerships” program, the CIPASTI project seeks to establish a lasting strategic partnership to deliver high-quality, professional higher education programs at the Loyola University of Congo (ULC). In the DRC, engineering training programs are underrepresented, despite the country’s significant demand for technicians and managers and the growing number of industrial jobs.

The CIPASTI project is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) through the French Development Agency (AFD). It is implemented by the National Research Agency (ANR) and Campus France, with support from the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR).

A new Master’s program in Technological Innovation

Launched in April 2023 for a four-year duration, the project spearheaded by Loyola University of Congo and Icam is designed to strengthen institutional capacities, establish resilient infrastructure, and support the training of young talent and scientific research to contribute to local economic development.

A steering committee meeting was held on November 27 at the ULC-Icam campus in Kinshasa to review the achievements and activities conducted during the first year of the CIPASTI project.
“With this funding, we have been able to invest in equipment such as an electrical transformer, which will provide a more stable power supply to the Kinshasa campus. We’ve also hired three key staff members,” explains Nicolas Gary, Quality Expert at Icam and CIPASTI Project Coordinator. “Another critical initiative supported by this project is the launch of the new Master’s program in Technological Innovation at ULC-Icam. The goal is to bring the first ULC-Icam engineering graduates to the DRC job market.” This new Master’s program was introduced to ULC-Icam’s partner companies during the “Business Morning” event in July.