This reappointment reflects the renewed confidence placed in Professor Sombo by President Félix Tshisekedi and the Prime Minister, who wish to ensure the continuity of reforms undertaken in the field of higher education. Since her initial appointment, she has distinguished herself through a firm commitment to modernizing and streamlining the sector, with a particular focus on the quality of training, the governance of university institutions, and the strengthening of scientific research.

In a context where higher education in the DRC faces numerous challenges, such as underfunding, unethical practices, and a lack of adequate infrastructure, Professor Sombo's reappointment is seen as a guarantee of stability and dynamism. Her academic expertise, enriched by her background as a neuropsychiatrist and her role as a professor at the University of Kinshasa, lends her a scientific and pedagogical legitimacy that underpins her ministerial actions.

Under her leadership, the ministry aims to strengthen international cooperation, promote innovation, and integrate digital technologies into Congolese universities, thereby contributing to the training of a new generation of researchers and managers capable of meeting the country's needs. The reappointment of Marie-Thérèse Sombo to this government also underscores the commitment of the Suminwa II government to pursuing an inclusive policy and strengthening female representation in the highest levels of government, as she is one of 17 female ministers out of a total of 53 members.

A solid academic background in service to the nation

A graduate of the University of Kinshasa's medical school in 2004, she specialized in neuropsychiatry and teaches disciplines such as neurology, psychiatry, neurophysiology, and medical psychology at several universities in the country, including Kinshasa, Kisangani, Bunia, and the Kinshasa Pedagogical Institute. She also conducts research at the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), particularly in the areas of neurodevelopment, neuroinfectious diseases, epilepsy, and mental health.

Reforms in action: from modernization to innovation

Upon taking office, Minister Sombo embarked on an ambitious program to transform the sector:

• Reform of the L.M.D. (Bachelor's–Master's–Doctorate) system: in August 2024, it inaugurated a National Mid-Term Evaluation Commission to ensure the effectiveness and alignment with international standards of this system.

• Overhaul of doctoral training: in July 2025, it launched a doctoral commission tasked with restructuring postgraduate training, eliminating anarchic doctoral schools and establishing strict quality criteria.

• Distance learning (EAD): in February 2025, it had a ministerial decree adopted to activate open and distance learning in crisis zones, strengthening educational continuity despite security challenges.

• Digital education: more recently, it launched the EAD platform, accompanied by the “I am Tech” campaign, in order to promote the digital inclusion of students, improve access to courses, reduce massification and encourage the mobility of teachers.

• Universities as engines of development: at the international symposium in Mbuji-Mayi in May 2025, she called on institutions to become true incubators of endogenous and sustainable solutions. Finally, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the University of Lubumbashi, she emphasized the importance of an inclusive, high-performing university connected to contemporary challenges.

A recognized expert in neuropsychiatry and medical psychology

A graduate in medicine from the University of Kinshasa in 2004, Professor Marie-Thérèse Safi Sombo chose to dedicate her career to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the brain and human behavior. Specializing in neuropsychiatry, she combines the study of neurological and psychiatric disorders, thus offering an integrated approach to illnesses affecting the nervous system and mental health.

Her expertise extends beyond clinical practice; she is also a passionate teacher who shares her knowledge at several prestigious universities across the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the University of Kinshasa, as well as at the medical faculties of Kisangani and Bunia, and at the Kinshasa Pedagogical Institute, she teaches courses in neurology, psychiatry, neurophysiology, and medical psychology.

This diverse range of teachings underscores her fundamental role in training future Congolese doctors, psychologists, and researchers, thereby contributing to strengthening the quality of mental health care in the country. Through her commitment, Professor Sombo plays a key role in the recognition of psychology as an essential discipline for public health, particularly in a context where neuropsychiatric disorders remain too often misunderstood and undertreated in Central Africa.

Furthermore, as director of the Kinshasa Neuro-Psychopathology Centre (CNPP), she actively participates in the research and treatment of mental illnesses, strengthening the collaboration between medicine, clinical psychology and psychiatry to offer comprehensive support to patients.

The central role of scientific research and innovation

Under the leadership of Professor Marie-Thérèse Safi Sombo, the Ministry of Higher Education, University Studies, Scientific Research, and Innovation has placed scientific research and innovation at the heart of its strategic priorities. These two pillars are not only essential drivers for building a knowledge-based economy, but also tools for transformation to address the major challenges facing the Democratic Republic of Congo. By investing in research, the country aims to produce knowledge tailored to its realities, capable of providing concrete solutions in key sectors such as health, agriculture, energy, information technology, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Innovation, for its part, is encouraged as a driver of competitiveness and creativity, strengthening the entrepreneurial fabric, improving public services, and fostering the emergence of local startups. On the regional and international stage, this strategic direction offers the DRC the opportunity to better integrate into global scientific dynamics, forge academic and technological partnerships, and leverage its immense intellectual and natural potential. Thus, the vision championed by Professor Safi Sombo makes research and innovation essential drivers of sustainable development, scientific sovereignty, and the DRC's influence on the world stage.

Scientific research

Research is seen as a fundamental lever for producing new knowledge, tailored to local realities and the country's specific challenges. The ministry encourages universities and research centers to strengthen their capacities, particularly through improved infrastructure, researcher training, and access to funding. The goal is to stimulate research projects that provide concrete solutions in diverse fields such as health, agriculture, the environment, technology, and social sciences.

Innovation :
Innovation complements research by fostering the transformation of scientific discoveries into practical applications, products, services, or processes that can directly benefit Congolese society and the economy. The ministry specifically supports technological and digital innovation initiatives, partnerships with the private sector, and the creation of technology hubs or incubators for innovative businesses within universities.

Minister Sombo is committed to integrating these two dimensions into a coherent policy that positions universities as drivers of scientific and technological progress. This strategy also helps retain local talent in the DRC by offering young researchers real opportunities for professional development and strengthening international cooperation. In short, scientific research and innovation are not mere ancillary components but major priorities for the Ministry, essential for modernizing higher education and building a prosperous future for the DRC.

In his congratulatory message to the Minister, the Rector of the University of Likasi, Professor Louis Mpala Mbadula, praised her qualifications and experience. "Your knowledge of the Congolese university system, your academic and professional skills, as well as your personal qualities, are assets for leading and modernizing higher education institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo," he stated. The Rector also assured her that the University of Likasi community is ready to support the implementation of the government program, thus contributing to realizing the Head of State's vision within the supervising ministry.

A vision focused on the future of the country

Professor Sombo, through her medical expertise and academic experience, has established herself as a proactive and visionary leader. She is injecting new dynamism into higher education, based on innovation, ethics, accessibility, and the social role of universities in national development.

Since her appointment, Minister Marie-Thérèse Sombo has charted an ambitious course for Congolese higher education. Her flagship initiatives—structural reforms, digitalization, redefining doctoral training, and institutional openness—demonstrate a serious commitment to making the university a true engine of progress and resilience. The road ahead remains long, but the direction is now clear.

BOX:

THE NEURO-PSYCHO-PATHOLOGICAL CENTER (CNPP) IN QUESTION

The CNPP, integrated into the University Clinics of Kinshasa, originated in the Neuropsychiatry Service created in 1964 at Lovanium University (which became UNIKIN), officially organized as a center in 1973.

Its main missions

This institution was created to offer the community neurological and psychiatric care: outpatient consultations, ambulatory care, prevention, health education and home care; to train specialists: neurologists, neuropsychiatrists, psychiatrists, teachers, researchers and medical executives in neuroscience, in accordance with international standards such as the program and finally to serve as a biomedical research structure, particularly in the context of doctoral training.

Vision and values

The CNPP aspires to become a leader in neuroscience, training and care in brain and mental health, serving the sustainable development of the DRC and Central Africa. It is guided by values ​​of integrity, excellence, transparency, non-discrimination and participation.

Challenges and ongoing rehabilitation

The infrastructure and equipment are aging, and the center faces financial difficulties in providing quality care and protecting hospitalized patients. In 2023, a strategic reform to revitalize the CNPP was initiated at UNIKIN, with the development of a revitalization plan to be presented soon.

50th anniversary and recent actions

From March 24 to 28, 2025, the CNPP (National Center for Psychosocial Prevention) organized a program to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. This included an open house to showcase its services to the public, under the theme "Brain Health, Mental Health: Strategic Pillars for the Emergence of the DRC." ​​During this period, a day of free consultations mobilized medical teams, with over 900 people receiving care in a single day. These activities also served to highlight the center's funding needs to strengthen its operations.

PROFESSOR MARIE-THERESE SAFI SOMBO AYANNE MUKUNA IN 7 DATES

1985 : The start of a brilliant medical career. After studying medicine, Marie-Thérèse Sombo turned to neuropsychiatry, a specialty still rare in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

1995 :Academic career and research. She joined the Faculty of Medicine as an assistant and then as a teacher, training generations of doctors and launching her first research work in mental health.

2004: Obtained medical degree from the University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN).

2020: Dr. Ayanne reached a significant milestone in her career by obtaining her agrégation at the Neuro-Psychopathological Center (CNPP) of the University of Kinshasa. This recognition of her expertise in neuropsychiatry led to her appointment as Professor at UNIKIN.

2021: National and international recognition. Her research on mental health and her advocacy for the integration of psychiatry into public policies have earned her international recognition.

2024: At the helm of the University and Scientific Research. Appointed director, she became the first female neuropsychiatrist to hold this position, a symbol of a new era for higher education and research in the DRC. She joined the Judith Suminwa I government as Minister of Higher and University Education.

2025: Towards a university of excellence and innovative research
Under his leadership, the Congolese University adopted a national research and innovation strategy focused on health, agriculture and digital technology.