In a significant development for the economic empowerment of local communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 150 members of the Société coopérative simplifiée des cultivateurs et entrepreneurs solidaires (SOCOOCES-SCOOP-S) have undergone training in entrepreneurship, management, and transformation of local products. The workshop, which took place from September 16 to 21, 2026, in Pont-Kwango, Kwango province, aimed to equip participants with the skills needed to drive local economic growth through the valorization of local products.
The training program was designed to enhance the capacity of SOCOOCES-SCOOP-S members to undertake, manage, and transform local agricultural products, thereby contributing to the region's economic development. According to Patrick Bisuku, President of SOCOOCES-SCOOP-S, the initiative is part of the organization's commitment to supporting local economic development through the promotion of entrepreneurship and the valorization of local products. The program also seeks to foster a culture of self-reliance and innovation among community members.
During the closing ceremony of the workshop, Patrick Bisuku expressed gratitude to participants for their active engagement and commitment to the development of their local community. He emphasized that Pont-Kwango is endowed with significant potential that needs to be harnessed by its residents. Bisuku highlighted the importance of leveraging local resources, including land, agriculture, and the population's know-how, as key drivers of local development.
The President of SOCOOCES-SCOOP-S also stressed that the development of Pont-Kwango cannot solely depend on external factors but also requires the capacity of its people to organize, undertake entrepreneurial ventures, transform local products, and create a local value chain. This perspective underscores the importance of community-led initiatives in driving sustainable development.
Pascal Ilenda, Coordinator of the Fédération nationale des associations paysannes et coopératives agricoles (Fenaphaco) in Pont-Kwango, commended the initiative and encouraged participants to apply the skills and knowledge acquired during the training. Ilenda's endorsement highlights the relevance of the program in supporting the growth of local economic initiatives.
The training program is a testament to SOCOOCES-SCOOP-S's dedication to empowering its members and promoting local economic development. By equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge, the organization aims to contribute to the creation of a thriving local economy that is driven by the valorization of local products and the entrepreneurial spirit of its members.
The successful completion of the training program marks a significant milestone in the efforts of SOCOOCES-SCOOP-S to promote entrepreneurship and local product transformation in the Kwango province. As participants begin to apply their new skills, the initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and contribute to the overall development of the region.
Key points
- The training program was designed to enhance the capacity of SOCOOCES-SCOOP-S members to undertake, manage, and transform local agricultural products.
- 150 members of the Société coopérative simplifiée des cultivateurs et entrepreneurs solidaires (SOCOOCES-SCOOP-S) have undergone training in entrepreneurship, management, and transformation of local products.
- The initiative is part of SOCOOCES-SCOOP-S's commitment to supporting local economic development through the promotion of entrepreneurship and the valorization of local products.
