The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced plans to establish economic zones in the northern Kivu province for investors eyeing to set up operations in the region.
North Kivu Governor Lieutenant General Constant Kongba Ndima, revelead the plans during the ongoing Kenya DRC Trade Mission in Goma, Eastern DRC and said the region is building a conducive environment for the private sector to thrive
“The North Kivu province is building a conducive environment for the private sector to thrive. It has earmarked economic zones in territories in North Kivu under the policy of industrialization,” he said.
Trade mission
The Governor hailed the trade mission, organized by the governments of DRC and Kenya in collaboration with Equity as a key forum that reflects a commitment to support entrepreneurs at a time when the country is also seeking foreign direct investments.
Citing opportunities in electricity supply, gas, real estate, telecommunications, and maintenance of roads in North and South Kivu, the Governor said there are more than 30 million consumers in the region.
He thanked the delegation for making the trip which reaffirms Kenyans’ determination and resilience in entrepreneurship in the region. Goma Mayor General Commissioner Francois Kabeya, said increased business growth will increase employment and wealth for the residents of Goma, a city situated at the border with Rwanda.
“It is an honor for Goma to host this mission that opens the potential for Kenya and DRC by opening the way for collaboration in various sectors,” he said.
Equity Group Managing Director and CEO James Mwangi said the bank has set aside USD 5 million for entrepreneurs to invest in tourism, manufacturing, and other sectors in the region. On agriculture, Mwangi said Equity is ready to sponsor 20 farmers from DRC to go to Kenya and witness rice production in Mwea.
“This mission is about uniting our people. There are no better collaborators than the business community that takes the risk, makes mistakes but creates wealth. We can have our farmers come and see how cocoa is grown and instead of exporting to Europe for chocolate making we can do it here in Goma,” he said.
