By Paulin Njingulula, Napoleon Kajunju, Justice Munthali, Rachel Kayange, Yohane Chideya
The vibrant city of Bukavu in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) transformed into a hub of agricultural innovation, technology, and community spirit as it hosted the third International Economic Fair organized by the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC). Held from May 6 to 16, 2024, the fair provided a dynamic platform for the business community, Trade Promotion Bodies (TPOs), professional associations, and economic operators to showcase their products and services, forge commercial deals, and establish valuable business relationships and partnerships.
Beyond its commercial focus, the fair celebrated regional integration, agricultural growth, and the relentless pursuit of innovation in the Great Lakes region. The Fair attracted over 270 entrepreneurs from South Kivu, North Kivu, and Tanganyika Provinces of the DRC, alongside 17 entrepreneurs from Burundi and 72 from Tanzania.
Platform for agricultural innovation and collaboration
The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT through the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), brought a splash of innovation and nutrition to the Eastern DRC by facilitating the participation of 10 of its partners in the fair. These partners, supported by the Integrated Agricultural Growth Project in the Great Lakes (PICAGL) and Beans for Women for Empowerment (B4WE) projects—funded by the World Bank and Global Alliance Canada (GAC), respectively—showcased their nutritious food products with enthusiasm.
Their mission was to promote the production, distribution, value addition, and commercialization of biofortified crops and related processed products. Different exhibitions buzzed the atmosphere with excitement as these partners demonstrated the health benefits of biofortified crops, exchanged valuable knowledge, and seized new market opportunities, highlighting the transformative power of these nutritious innovations.
CIAT/PABRA and its partners’ presence at the fair showcased their unwavering dedication to regional integration and agricultural innovation. By participating, they underscored their commitment to initiatives like PICAGL, which aims to foster sub-regional collaborations, promote groundbreaking agricultural practices, and develop robust supply chains and local value systems. This event highlighted their strategic efforts to unite with other sub-regional agricultural entities and drive forward the region’s agricultural growth and sustainability.
Amplifying fair impact through media
The buildup to the fair was nothing short of electrifying. Bukavu thrummed with anticipation as the city prepared for the grand event. Posters adorned every strategic corner, radio waves crackled with excitement, and local media outlets buzzed with news of the impending spectacle.
The atmosphere was charged with expectation as participants from Tanzania, Burundi, and the DRC geared up to showcase their innovative products and groundbreaking ideas, all converging on Bukavu for this momentous occasion.
In addition, the fair burst into life with a riveting press conference on May 6, 2024, at the Chapiteau de Labotte. This crucial event set the tone and highlighted the fair’s ambitious objectives. A vibrant assembly of sixty-one participants—including journalists, students, researchers, and representatives from government, NGOs, and farmer organizations—gathered to delve into the event’s goals and significance. The room buzzed with the energy of diverse minds and backgrounds, all united by a shared passion for agricultural innovation and regional cooperation. The stage was set for an unforgettable celebration of progress and collaboration.
Following the press conference, the fair’s spotlight turned to the highly anticipated exhibition of innovations, running up to May 16. The 10-member PABRA delegation mesmerize attendees with a rich array of agricultural products, cutting-edge technologies, and practical solutions aimed at boosting productivity and enhancing livelihoods. Their pavilion became a hive of activity, attracting 2,611 curious visitors and potential customers. Amid the excitement, 239 attendees could not resist making purchases, bringing the innovations from the exhibition directly into their own fields and homes.
Exhibitions and commercial triumphs
One of the standout exhibitors was the National Agricultural Research Institute (INERA), a pivotal Congolese government institution committed to agricultural research and development, including the production of early generation seed. With support from PABRA, INERA showcased an impressive array of advanced agricultural technologies, featuring six varieties of biofortified beans and six varieties of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. These varieties, rich in zinc, iron, and vitamin A, exemplified the transformative potential of biofortification. The public was captivated by the promise these crops held for enhancing food security and nutrition, making INERA’s exhibit one of the highlights of the fair.
Figure 2: Beans and sweet potato varieties exhibited by INERA during the Bukavu International Economic Fair
Furthemore, SARCAF, a key scaling partner and prominent exhibitor, played a crucial role in bridging the gap between small producers and essential service providers. Their bustling stand displayed a diverse range of crops from small producers who had embraced advanced agricultural technologies. The impressive display, featuring beans, cassava, maize, tomatoes, cabbages, and eggplants, vividly demonstrated the real-world benefits of these innovations, attracting significant attention and admiration from fair attendees.
Figure 3: SARCAF led farmers exhibiting their produces including beans, vegetables and tubers, as some CIAT/PABRA staff look on.
The youth also seized this opportunity with enthusiasm. Young innovators from Kesho Congo and SEZI Ets, for instance, captivated attendees with their processed products made from beans, soybeans, and maize, showcasing the endless possibilities of agricultural by-products. Their stands were not just displays; they told compelling stories of creativity, resilience, and the promising future of agriculture in their respective provinces.
The fair marked a significant commercial success for CIAT/PABRA partners. A diverse range of products, from beans to bananas, eggplants, tomatoes, onions, and processed foods, were sold. More than mere sales, the event forged crucial commercial alliances and market pathways for participating partners. Notably, Noella Mankata Mauwa of Union des Femmes Mutuelles pour le Développement (UFMD), a PABRA-supported women’s collective in Kalemie, secured funding through the Eastern Congo Initiative. Meanwhile, Josée Mulolwa, Chairperson of Union des Producteurs et Vendeurs des Produits Agricoles (UPROVEPA) in Goma, struck a pivotal deal with women bean traders from South-Kivu, ensuring a sustainable bean supply chain. These connections were the true treasures of the fair, promising enduring benefits that transcend the fair.
Throughout the fair, media coverage played a significant role in amplifying outcomes and possible impacts. Journalists from Radio Maendeleo, Radio Television Ngoma ya Kivu, United Nations Radio Okapi, and national television channels (RTNC) covered the event extensively. Their stories and broadcasts brought the innovations and successes of the fair to a wider audience, highlighting the importance of agricultural innovation and the human stories behind it. Thousands of listeners heard through the media how CIAT/PABRA is supporting agriculture and farmers in Eastern DR Congo. The numerous reactions from visitors were overwhelmingly positive, and the general community expressed their hope to see more endeavors from CIAT/PABRA and its partners.
Throughout the fair, media coverage played a pivotal role in amplifying its impact. Journalists from Radio Maendeleo, Radio Television Ngoma ya Kivu, United Nations Radio Okapi, and national television channels (RTNC) provided extensive coverage of the event. Their stories and broadcasts brought the innovative solutions and successes of the fair to a broad audience, shedding light on the significance of agricultural innovation and sharing the personal stories of those involved. Thousands of listeners tuned in to learn how CIAT/PABRA is supporting agriculture and farmers in Eastern DR Congo, sparking overwhelmingly positive reactions from visitors and fostering a sense of anticipation within the community for future initiatives from CIAT/PABRA and its partners.
Reflections and Future Prospects
The fair resonated as a profound celebration of the Eastern Africa Community (EAC) region’s ingenuity and untapped potential. It emphasized the critical need to support local innovations, enhance regional cooperation, and link small producers with lucrative markets—a vital lesson that demands ongoing cultivation. The event vividly illustrated the transformative impact of collective efforts and highlighted the Great Lakes region’s capacity to spearhead agricultural innovation when backed by strategic investments from development partners like the World Bank and Global Affairs Canada, as seen through their support of PICAGL and B4WE projects.
Participants gleaned valuable lessons and reignited their motivation. They witnessed firsthand the creativity and determination of their peers, drawing inspiration from each other’s innovations. These interactions forged connections that are sure to fuel their future endeavors. Overall, the fair cultivated a strong sense of community spirit and shared purpose among all who attended.
Florence Nyamwezi from ABECHA Company reflected on the fair’s impact: “Thanks to the fair, I was able to meet other innovators and get to know other people and what they are doing. I will continue to work on improving our innovation and products to be able to participate in future exhibitions and be competitive in the regional market,” she said.
The Bukavu International Economic Fair marked a significant milestone in the journey of agricultural innovation led by CIAT/PABRA in the Great Lakes region. It also laid the groundwork for future successes and expanded market linkages for bean value chain actors and others. This progress is expected to boost farmers’ incomes and improve the livelihoods of millions in DRC.
Figure 4: Noella Mwavita (Centre) SARCAF Coordinator captured during the exhibition with one of the women supported by her organisation.