Where We Work Democratic Republic of Congo

Despite its vast natural resources, the DRC remains one of the world’s most underreached countries. Opportunity International Agriculture Finance is working to change that by helping farmers and entrepreneurs access the tools, training, and financing they need to build a stronger, more resilient future.

The Urgent Need

Home to 109 million people, the DRC struggles with widespread poverty:

• 79% live on less than $2.15 a day.
• Only 10% of the country's 80 million hectares of arable land is currently farmed.

With deep agricultural potential yet to be realized, investing in farmers is key to unlocking sustainable development across the nation.

Our Impact Across the DRC

Strengthening Farmer Networks in Ubangi

• 129 Farmer Support Agents (FSAs) now assist 24,780 farmers.
• Over 15,000 farmers received training in Group Dynamics, Financial Literacy, Family Business, and Entrepreneurship.

Through local leadership and practical skills-building, farmers are growing stronger businesses and more resilient communities.

Expanding Financial Literacy in Gemena and Karawa

• FSAs deliver tailored training to improve money management and economic decision-making.
• Training data synchronization ensures accountability and continuous learning.

Financial empowerment enables farmers to invest in their futures with confidence.

Launching Peer-to-Peer Support with the Super-FSA Model

• Each Super-FSA mentors 4-6 FSAs, strengthening community-based learning and supervision.

This networked approach ensures farmers receive consistent, high-quality support.

Empowering Women in Kasai Oriental

Partnering with Equity BCDC, we are helping women entrepreneurs thrive:

• Trained 2,786 women-led SMEs (surpassing the target fivefold).
• Helped 5,115 women open new bank accounts.
• Established 15 Farmer Field Schools for market gardening.

Women across Kasai are leading their households and businesses toward lasting success.

Expanding Access to Agricultural Financing

• VisionFund disbursed 13,252 loans totaling $934,000 in Gemena and Karawa (81% to women).
• Equity BCDC issued 16,000 loans totaling $1.28 million in Kasai (27% to women).

Affordable credit is fueling agricultural innovation, boosting production, and stabilizing rural incomes.

Strengthening Market Access

Through value chain analyses in Kasai, we are connecting farmers with higher-value markets, thus helping them earn more from their harvests and build sustainable businesses.

Stories of Growth and Resilience

Success Story: Betty

Betty joined the MUYA VSLA in Tshilenge after being trained by Opportunity International in group dynamics and financial literacy.

Through digitalization with Dream Save, Betty improved transparency, reduced meeting times, and freed up more time to care for her family and grow her business.

Despite challenges such as lack of access to finance and high transport costs, Betty’s savings and financial skills have dramatically improved.

Success Story: Jeanne

Jeanne transitioned from a banker to an agricultural entrepreneur, purchasing oil, peanuts, and corn from South Ubangi farmers to supply SMEs in Kinshasa.

Her revenue soared from $10,000 to $200,000, and she now employs 23 people.

Jeanne dreams of purchasing a barge to boost her logistics and expand into real estate — all while planning to train the next generation through her children.

A New Chapter for Farmers in the DRC

Across the Democratic Republic of Congo, farmers and entrepreneurs are rewriting their stories: building businesses, strengthening families, and shaping thriving communities.
Through collaboration, innovation, and perseverance, a brighter, more resilient future is taking root.