The strategic position and choices for SNV’s work in DR Congo are based upon the goals and strategies of the “Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy Plan” which was adopted by the Congolese government in 2007.   Our Strategy sets out access to basic services (WAter, Sanitation and Hygiene and renewable energy) and increased production, income and employment (Forestry and Agriculture Value Chain) as two impact areas in which we are working. 

Our aim is to alleviate poverty by enabling those with the lowest incomes to be part of social and economic networks and so increase their income and employment opportunities. More than half of our work focuses on economic and private sector development.

Alongside this, we contribute to improving people’s access to basic services like water and sanitation, energy and education. We achieve both by strengthening local organisations.

Promoting gender equity and transparent public sector leadership is at the heart of all our work.

We work in the areas where our support is most needed. The majority of our advisors are based far from capital cities, in provincial towns and in rural areas, where the challenges of poverty are often greatest. From this sub-national level, we can facilitate links between local and national organisations.

Because of our global presence, we are able to replicate, adapt and scale up local initiatives to other sectors, regions and countries where they have real impact.

We are independent and results-driven. We view all potential partners equally, be the government, civil society or the private sector; we work with a wide range of people, from producers and exporters to people in government and civil society organisations. We build strong relationships with the most effective organisations in alleviating poverty and promoting good governance.