Decentralization of State Examination correction centers, a first in the Democratic Republic of Congo

As part of a major reform initiated by Raïssa Malu, Minister of State and Minister of National Education and New Citizenship, the decentralization of the State Exam grading center is now in effect in the pilot educational provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, namely Haut-Katanga 1 in Lubumbashi and Kasaï Oriental 1 in Mbuji-Mayi.

This initiative marks a significant turning point in the Congolese education system, facilitating the grading of State Exam items locally, without having to send them to Kinshasa. The Provincial Chief Inspector (IPP) of National Education and New Citizenship for Haut Katanga 1, Nicolas Nyange Bizy, presided over the inauguration of the Lubumbashi branch of the National Grading Center, in the presence of key figures from the education sector.

“Minister of State Raïssa MALU is determined to modernize the Congolese education system. This modernization involves the introduction of information and communication technologies (ICT), which are at the heart of the Ministry of National Education’s Five-Year Plan,” stated IPP Nicolas Nyange. He also highlighted the integration of Artificial Intelligence into the grading process, a first for the country.

The Lubumbashi branch of the National Grading Center is already operational and equipped to process more than 100,000 State Exam answer sheets. This year, 94,765 candidates—including 52,815 boys and 41,979 girls—will take part in the 59th regular session of the State Exam, spread across 178 centers throughout the province.

The provincial director of EDU-NC for Haut Katanga 1, Joseph Mwinkeu Tshiend, expressed his satisfaction with the establishment of this pilot center, emphasizing that it represents a major step forward for the education system. “We are determined to rise to this challenge and ensure the success of this initiative,” he stated.

In Kasaï Oriental 1, IPP Pierre Kabianda Mbaliang also welcomed this decentralization, which will allow for faster grading of exams and the release of results in a shorter timeframe. “This initiative will transform the way we manage the State Exam and will benefit all candidates and their families,” he added.

The decentralization of the grading center is an essential step toward quality education in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship is committed to expanding this initiative to other educational provinces in the coming days.

On April 10, 2025, the Ministry inaugurated the National State Exam Grading Center at the General Inspectorate of Education’s facilities in Kinshasa. This renovated building, described by its users as the hub of key sensitive operations related to the State Exam, has also been equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including computers running brand-new software that integrates artificial intelligence into the processing of exam booklets. This will shorten grading times and, at the same time, enable faster publication of State Exam results.

Kinshasa, July 24, 2025

MINEDU-NC Communications Unit Press contact: +243 837051333