Kinshasa, DRC, October 5, 2023 – The DRC Agribusiness Innovation Challenge recognized businesses dedicated to digital technology and circular agriculture as winners in a startup competition organized by the International Finance Corporation (IFC)-led climate insurance program, Global Index Insurance Facility (GIIF). The competition aims to bolster agri-small businesses, support smallholder farmers, and promote the development of climate-smart agriculture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The three triumphant companies emerged from a shortlist of 10 businesses that presented their innovative ideas to a jury comprising government representatives, members of development organizations, agribusiness investors, and venture capital funders in Kinshasa, leading up to the DRC Agribusiness Forum held on October 4th and 5th.

The awards were presented during a captivating Award Ceremony attended by distinguished representatives, including Nicolas Kazadi, Minister of Finance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; José Mpanda Kabangu, Minister of Agriculture of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Evelien Boersma, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Their presence added prestige to the celebration of innovation and excellence.

This event marks the latest in a series of challenges organized by GIIF in India, Kenya, and now the DRC. The Facility is committed to sustaining its efforts, fostering innovation, providing support, and instigating positive change in the local agribusiness landscape. Its overarching goal is to contribute to enhanced productivity and profitability while propelling the growth of SMEs and smallholder farmers in diverse regions.