Nande in Congo, Democratic Republic of


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Nande people live primarily in the North Kivu province of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where they form one of the region's largest indigenous groups. A smaller number are in Uganda. They speak Nande, a Bantu language.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Nande daily life is heavily tied to farming and trade. Many live in rural villages, cultivating crops like bananas, cassava, beans, and maize; others engage in local commerce and markets. Family relations and community support networks shape decisions, celebrations, and mutual aid. Social gatherings frequently include traditional songs and dances, and extended families play a central role in child-rearing and community responsibilities.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all Nande identify as Christian. A complete Bible is available in the Nande language, and it, along with other ministry resources such as the JESUS Film, supports local Scripture engagement. Christian identity is widespread, although the degree of personal discipleship varies among individuals and communities.


What Are Their Needs?

While the Nande are predominantly Christian in affiliation, many believers still lack deep biblical discipleship and theological training. There is ongoing need for strong pastoral leadership and Scripture-based teaching that moves beyond cultural identification with Christianity to maturity in faith. Economic pressures and regional instability also affect families and the church's capacity to serve vulnerable members.


Prayer Items

Pray that Nande believers would grow in solid biblical understanding and daily obedience, leading them to take Christ to those without the gospel.
Pray for godly pastors and teachers to be raised up from within the community.
Pray that access to Scripture in Nande would result in personal transformation and gospel fruitfulness.
Pray for unity and spiritual resilience amid social or economic challenges.
Pray for effective youth discipleship that anchors the next generation in Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Nande in Congo, Democratic Republic of.


References

References


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Nande
People Name in Country Nande
Alternate Names Nandi; Ndandi; Nkundo
Population this Country 2,627,000
Population all Countries 2,632,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 13942
ROP3 Code 107068
Country Congo, Democratic Republic of
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 29  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Nord-Kivu province: mainly Beni and Lubero territories; southeastern Orientale province.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Congo, Democratic Republic of
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 29  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Nord-Kivu province: mainly Beni and Lubero territories; southeastern Orientale province..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

No people group static map currently available. Use the above button to submit a map.




Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
98.30 %
Ethnic Religions
0.50 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
1.20 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Nande (2,627,000 speakers)
Language Code nnb   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Nande (2,627,000 speakers)
Language Code nnb   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Nande
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.