Overview:

Kwafrika Travel Ltd, in collaboration with the Congolese Diaspora Impact Summit/Strategy, successfully organized the inaugural “Return to Congo” tour. This immersive eight-day program aimed to educate participants of Congolese descent about the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Kinshasa. It also provided a platform to explore business opportunities and connect with local entrepreneurs. Five out of six registered participants attended, representing diverse professional backgrounds and shared a collective interest in contributing to the socio-economic transformation of the DRC.

Participant Profiles:

1. Lukogho Kasomo: An experienced professional in international policy and business development, Lukogho’s career includes roles with Raytheon Technologies, and the U.S. Congress. She co-founded the Congolese Diaspora Impact Summit and is actively involved in various initiatives promoting international development and business.
2. Laura Kupe: An attorney having worked with the US government. Laura’s career spans roles in the Department of Homeland Security, RAND Corporation, and legislative affairs. She is also a co-founder of the Congolese Diaspora Impact Summit and has been recognized among The Root’s 100 Influential African Americans.
3. Jim N. Ngokwey: A Congolese-American entrepreneur and co-founder of Congolese Diaspora Impact Strategies (CDIS). He is the Managing Partner at Mighty Peace Coffee, which specializes in importing coffee from the DRC to the U.S., impacting millions of cups of coffee annually.
4. Chala June (CJ): A multidisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn, CJ explores storytelling across mediums, from print to public speaking and dining experiences. Formerly an editor at Bon Appétit magazine, CJ focuses on creating dialogues about food and culture within the African diaspora.
5. Christian Mabila: A software automation engineer and consultant, Christian has led projects in data manufacturing and performance testing. His expertise in automation and technology contributes to his vision for business development in the DRC.

Tour Itinerary Highlights:

Day 1: Welcome Dinner (Friday, November 22, 2024)

The participants were welcomed at the Hilton Hotel in Kinshasa, where they received briefing packets outlining the itinerary, cultural dos and don’ts, and nightlife recommendations. The evening set the tone for an engaging and insightful journey.

Day 2: Friendsgiving Dinner (Saturday, November 23, 2024)

Participants attended a Friendsgiving dinner organized with DIASPAT, fostering connections with Congolese professionals, U.S. Foreign Service members, and local entrepreneurs. The event highlighted community building and collaboration opportunities.

(View highlights on Instagram: Friendsgiving Reel)

Day 3: Tourism Day (Sunday, November 24, 2024)

The group visited Parc de la Vallée de la N’Sele, located 90 minutes from Kinshasa. This conservation and leisure space offered breathtaking views, biodiversity, and activities like cycling and kayaking. Participants explored the park’s vision of preserving wildlife while promoting sustainable tourism.

Day 4: Agriculture, Food & Beverage (Monday, November 25, 2024)

Visits to Jambo Jus and Manitech Congo highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the agri-business sector.

• Jambo Jus: A juice company founded by two brothers from Eastern Congo. Jambo Jus is renowned for its ginger-based beverages, the company has been emerging for decades despite consistent supply chain issues due to the lack of infrastructures in DRC. Despite producing 300-500 liters of juice daily, demand exceeds supply.
• Manitech Congo: Led by Sivi Malukisa, the company showcased its resilience despite over-taxation and limited access to funding. Sivi shared insights on navigating challenges such as over-taxation, talent shortages, and gender dynamics in the workforce. Participants learned about the critical need for skilled labor and the potential for diaspora partnerships.

Day 5: Arts & Culture Day (Tuesday, November 26, 2024)

The group embarked on a city tour exploring Kinshasa’s vibrant culture and history. Stops included the National Museum, the Mausoleum of Kabila, Independence Square, and the Académie des Beaux-Arts. Participants gained a deeper appreciation for the DRC’s artistic and historical legacy.

Day 6: Real Estate Day (Wednesday, November 27, 2024)

The 6th day of  the “Return to Congo” tour focused on Kinshasa’s ambitious real estate developments:

• 243 Congo Enterprise: Founded by Thierry Mbolela Tubajika, the company is advancing projects like the Maluku Estates, a $10 million villa project along the Congo River. Challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles and human resource management were discussed.
• Maluku Preserve City: A $0.9 billion urban development project led by Andjelo Cherty, designed to create a futuristic city in Maluku Commune. While it is the largest by size, Maluku has a much lower population density than the central communes of Kinshasa due to its largely rural and forested areas. Kinshasa hosts 22 million people, of those 19 millions are in the 23 communes of Kinshasa. Maluku commune hosts of now 1 million people yet with a total capacity of 44 million people. Maluku Preserve City will leverage the special economic zone regulations of the DR Congo to a new city within Kinshasa. The project targets diaspora and expatriate participation..

Day 7: Tech and Finance Day (Thursday, November 28, 2024)

For a vidéo highlight on our Tech and Finance Day, please click here.

At Silikin Village, participants explored Kinshasa’s growing tech ecosystem. Highlights included:

1. Avada Pay: A fintech company offering diverse payment solutions to enhance financial accessibility. Essentially, Avada Pay aims to simplify and enhance payment processes for businesses and individuals in Africa, particularly in regions where traditional payment methods may be limited
2. PLURI’ELLES: This is a business circle based in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It aims to bring together female executives and entrepreneurs to support the growth of women-owned businesses. They focus on fostering solidarity and equity in the business world. Meeting PLURI’ELLES President, madam Marceline KAOZI was inspiring for the group. She started the initiative investing around 300 000 USD from her own money and today she is spearheading a movement putting smallholder farmers at the forefront of the country’s transformation..
3. PIMACLE SARL: A multi-sector company specializing in GPS solutions, IT, and logistics, led by diaspora entrepreneur Philippe Inti.

Outcomes and Reflections:

The inaugural “Return to Congo” tour was a resounding success, inspiring participants to consider opportunities for collaboration in the DRC’s transformation. They gained firsthand insights into the country’s business landscape and cultural richness while establishing meaningful connections.

Nightlife Discoveries: Among Kinshasa’s vibrant nightlife options, the following stood out:

• Koi Zen: A fusion of world cuisine and African flair in a luxurious setting.
• Champagne Lounge Bar: Featuring a newly revamped lounge, Tori Kago.

Conclusion:

The “Return to Congo” tour highlighted the immense potential for the Congolese diaspora to engage in ecotourism, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic development. By fostering connections and exploring opportunities, this tour laid a foundation for future collaborations that benefit both the diaspora and the DRC.