The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Mohindo Nzangi, officially launched the revival of cocoa cultivation in Mpombi, a locality about 10 kilometers from Boende, on September 24, 2026. The day began with a sensitization meeting with provincial authorities and producers in Boende, followed by a visit to Mpombi. The minister, accompanied by the interim Governor of Tshuapa, the Provincial Police Commissioner, and the Mayor of Boende, planted the first cocoa seedling, a symbolic gesture to encourage farmers.
Nzangi emphasized the importance of cocoa cultivation for provincial development, stating that "cocoa is wealth, cocoa is employment." He encouraged each household to have cocoa plants, aiming to move beyond assistance and towards massive production. The minister announced that the central government will provide necessary inputs and phytosanitary materials to ensure the success of the plantations, addressing one of the main concerns of farmers: access to improved seeds and treatment products.
Nzangi visited several private sites already prepared for planting improved cocoa seedlings, where he found excavated holes and installed nurseries. He encouraged households to get involved massively, saying, "The government will do its part, but it's up to you to get your hands dirty." This initiative marks the beginning of the 2026-2027 agricultural campaign in Tshuapa.
The launch event was attended by a crowd of farmers, who were enthusiastic about the prospect of cultivating cocoa. Nzangi's visit aimed to boost the agricultural sector in the region and promote food sovereignty. The minister's promise to provide inputs and materials was seen as a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by farmers.
The cocoa cultivation initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and provide employment opportunities for residents. Nzangi's emphasis on massive production and the government's support for farmers is seen as a key factor in the success of the project. The minister's visit to Mpombi was seen as a demonstration of the government's commitment to promoting agriculture in the region.
The launch of cocoa cultivation in Mpombi is part of the government's efforts to promote agricultural development in the country. The initiative is expected to contribute to the country's food sovereignty and provide economic opportunities for farmers. Nzangi's visit to the region highlighted the importance of agriculture in the country's development.
The government has pledged to support farmers in the region, providing them with the necessary resources to succeed. The launch of cocoa cultivation in Mpombi marks a significant step towards achieving this goal. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the local community and contribute to the country's economic growth.
Key points
- The DR Congo government has pledged to support cocoa farmers with inputs and phytosanitary materials.
- Minister Mohindo Nzangi launched cocoa cultivation in Mpombi, Tshuapa province, on September 24, 2026.
- The initiative aims to promote food sovereignty and provide employment opportunities for local residents.
