Collaborative Grantmaking
Congolese communities choose resilience everyday.
We support their work through impactful funding.
The world’s greatest challenges will be solved by those living with them everyday. Since 2010, we’ve funded 73 non profit organisation, compagnies and cooperatives. Today, we continue to directly fund projects in North and South Kivu focused on women’s empowerment and economic development.
Humanitarian
Christophe’s Children
CAEPV – ASBL / Kalehe (Christophe’s Children) is a center providing support and guidance to vulnerable individuals located in Ihusi in the Kalehe territory. The center supports more than 264 orphaned children, 47 of whom are in extremely urgent need. Fifty-six children are boarders at the Ihusi orphanage and receive comprehensive care.
Affected by the recent armed conflicts of February 2025, these children have suffered threats, the looting of their food supplies, and the partial destruction of their homes. ECI’s intervention has provided food aid to the center to maintain their livelihoods, enhance their well-being, ensure their protection, and support the resilience of families affected by this instability. ECI continues to raise funds for this center to complete a vocational center construction project.
Panzi Foundation
The Panzi Foundation and Hospital are dedicated to healing survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and creating lasting change in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege and supported by a team of nearly 1,000 people based in the DRC, the Panzi Foundation is a symbol of resilience and change. Panzi is one of the largest African-led non-profit organizations. It is deeply rooted in the local communities it serves and is committed to combating the devastating effects of sexual and gender-based violence through a holistic, survivor-centered approach. Thanks to financial support from the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI), it has been able to build a legal clinic dedicated to holistic care, welcoming women survivors of sexual violence from the territories of Kalehe, Kabare, and the city of Bukavu.
DFJ - Dynamique des Femmes Juristes
La Dynamique des Femmes Juristes is a Congolese non-profit women’s organization working to promote and protect the rights of women and children in eastern DRC. Since 2006, Dynamique des Femmes Juristes has been providing legal aid and assistance to the most disadvantaged and marginalized people, while working to combat gender-based violence and inequality. Supported by ECI since 2010, Dynamique des Femmes Juristes has strengthened its legal action, enabling it to handle and plead more than 3,000 cases in North Kivu.
AFEM - Association des Femmes des Médias
The Association des Femmes des Médias (AFEM) is a non-governmental organization based in Bukavu that brings together women media professionals from the South Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It works to promote Congolese women and defend their rights through the media. With support from ECI, the association has developed Mama Radio, a radio station run by women that amplifies their voices by addressing social, urban, rural, and economic issues in South Kivu through local media (community radio stations). This initiative also raises awareness about gender equality, health, and women’s empowerment, reaching approximately 2 million listeners.
Economic Development
COOPABU - Coopérative Agricole de Bumba
Specializing in potato production in Buhanga, in the Kalehe territory of South Kivu province, the Buhanga Agricultural Cooperative (COOPABU) now produces healthy, disease-free potato seeds with support from the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI). This support will increase production for the cooperative’s 500 members in Buhanga/Kabare, as well as for 10,000 potato-producing households in the territories of Kalehe, Walungu, and Kabare, and will improve their incomes in the long term thanks to the availability of high-quality products.”
UDPTK - Union pour le Développement des Pêcheurs de Tilapia au Kivu
The Union for the Development of Tilapia Fishers of Kashusha (UDPTK) is a non-profit association working in tilapia production on Lake Kivu in South Kivu.
Since 2024, with the support of Eastern Congo Initiative, UDPTK has strengthened its aquaculture capacity by installing a second greenhouse in Kashusha with six spawning ponds to increase tilapia production and introduce African catfish (Clarias). The facility supports the breeding of 480 Nile tilapia broodstock and is expected to produce over 1.5 million eggs per year, significantly increasing the supply of fish fry.
The project also supports the development of fish farming through floating cages on Lake Kivu and fish ponds. In addition, UDPTK received a 40-foot refrigerated storage unit to improve fish preservation and reduce post-harvest losses for women fish vendors supported by the association in Bukavu.
RWH - Rebuild Women Hope
Rebuild Women’s Hope is a cooperative run by women coffee producers, located on the large and isolated island of Idjwi, on Lake Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Engaged in the collection, processing, and sale of specialty coffee, RWH works with 3,076 Arabica coffee producer members, including 2,026 women and 1,050 men in Kavumu, South Kivu province, to empower them and improve their standard of living.
Support from the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI) has enabled the cooperative to build a modern coffee analysis laboratory and a pulping plant in Kavumu, South Kivu. These facilities have great potential and are capable of generating more than 6,000 jobs per year, transforming the lives of women coffee farmers in the South Kivu community.
Tumaini Coffee Coopérative (TCC)
Tumaini Coffee Cooperative, located in the Kabare territory in South Kivu province, promotes coffee cultivation while diversifying its members’ sources of income through other agricultural sectors such as beans and soybeans. Support from the Eastern Congo Initiative enabled Tumaini to purchase and distribute 2,076 kg of bean seeds and 2,076 kg of soybean seeds to 519 farmers, including 351 women and 168 men. Tumaini also provided $2,000 in financial support to four Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), or $500 per VSLA, made up of 111 women and 9 men, to strengthen their financial capacities and facilitate their access to credit and financial resources.
KIVU KUKU
KIVU KUKU Poultry Farm is a company operating in the agro-processing sector in the city of Goma, North Kivu. ECI’s support enabled it to restart its operations by rehabilitating infrastructure and rebuilding the farm destroyed during the crisis in January 2025. The company has thus integrated 2,232 parent chicks (1,800 females and 432 males) to ensure the autonomy of its industrial hatcheries through the local production of fertilized eggs. It also supplies vaccinated day-old chicks to farmers in several cities in the DRC, including Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani, Kalemie, Kindu, and Kinshasa. Finally, KIVU KUKU completes its supply chain by processing, packaging, and marketing chicken meat, forming an integrated poultry value chain.
ASILI
Asili is a social enterprise and partner of Eastern Congo Initiative, based in Bukavu. It addresses the root causes of poverty and instability in eastern DR Congo, particularly in South Kivu, by providing high-quality services to local communities.
These services include healthcare through its medical facilities, as well as access to clean water and renewable energy, transforming beneficiaries into customers. Through these interventions, Asili contributes to building a more stable and prosperous future for the region.
BING ECOLOGY
BING ECOLOGY produces ecological charcoal called ECOMAKALA and organic fertilizer called Biochar (Ecochar) in the city of Goma in North Kivu. With the support of ECI, it has been able to distribute fertilizer and fertilize the fields of 9,355 smallholders with more than 23,735 liters of Ecochar liquid organic fertilizer in the territories of Kalehe, Walungu, and Kabare in South Kivu affected by the crisis, in order to increase yields, combat hunger in the region, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.d Kabare territories.
AMAVESA
The Association of Widowed Mothers of Sarepta is a non-profit organization that was founded on April 6, 2003. In response to the crisis that occurred in January 2025, ECI provided support to the association, enabling them to restart their poultry farming activities with 235 chicks. This support allowed them to acquire practical knowledge in poultry farming and strengthen their income-generating activities.
COOCENKI
The Central Cooperative of North Kivu (COOCENKI), founded in 1980 and based in Lubero Territory, works to promote women’s economic empowerment through the production of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus) in the territories of Lubero and Rutshuru Territory. Since 2013, the cooperative has trained women within local cooperatives, despite challenges related to limited access to production equipment.
With financial support from Eastern Congo Initiative, COOCENKI implemented an innovative project for the production and marketing of oyster mushrooms, including the construction of two pilot mushroom houses. The project trained 250 women, provided them with 250 production kits, and launched larger-scale production, marked by an initial harvest of 23.5 kg of mushrooms in the village of Mighobwe.
LA UNE
LA UNE is a company operating in the agri-food sector, based in Bukavu, specializing in the production and processing of fish products, particularly tilapia.
With the support of Eastern Congo Initiative, the company acquired two essential pieces of equipment: a dehydrator and a three-wheeled vehicle for product transport. This support has significantly strengthened its capacity to process fresh fish into salted fish, enabling the company to produce over 3 tons of salted fish per quarter.
KANO FOOD
KANO FOOD is located in Goma and operates in modern fruit and vegetable supply chains. Affected by armed violence in January 2025, the company saw its infrastructure damaged and its entire stock of products looted.
With funding from Eastern Congo Initiative, KANO FOOD was able to rebuild much of its destroyed infrastructure, acquire new equipment, and replenish part of its working capital. This support enabled an effective business recovery, reaching an average production capacity of 5 tons per quarter and achieving a 62% increase in revenue, rising from $3,915.90 in December 2024 to $6,216.50 by the end of the first quarter (July–September 2025).
ON VIZION HOLDING
ON VIZION HOLDING, based in Goma, is a company focused on producing environmentally friendly biodegradable packaging. With support from Eastern Congo Initiative, the company strengthened its commitment to a sustainable future by acquiring modern equipment for producing and customizing eco-friendly packaging, including a packaging printer, and an initial stock of 10,000 biodegradable packages.
This initiative aims to reduce plastic pollution in Goma and surrounding areas by offering an ecological alternative. By collaborating closely with local markets, shops, food stores, and small vendors, ON VIZION HOLDING seeks to promote the rapid and widespread adoption of these essential biodegradable packaging solutions in a context where plastic waste increasingly threatens public health and the ecosystem.
CLOUTERIE
Clouterie de Goma, located in Goma, is a company engaged in local nail production. Support from Eastern Congo Initiative enabled the establishment of a workshop for manufacturing nails locally, helping reduce dependence on imports.
The initiative also improved access to products for 10 low-income women construction material vendors by providing small, repayable equipment loans to strengthen their businesses, stimulate the local economy, and create sustainable jobs. In addition, the company acquired office and IT equipment—including a printer, laptop, desk, and chair—along with 1,000 packaging bags and 9 nail production machines.
BLESSED COMPANY
Blessed Company is a business specializing in the processing and preservation of fresh tomatoes. With support from Eastern Congo Initiative, the company acquired 7 pieces of equipment for producing tomato-based products, including tomato paste, puree, and jam, for commercial sale.
This initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses and address off-season shortages. Throughout 2025, Blessed Company successfully processed 1,400 kg of fresh tomatoes.
BRIQUETTE DU KIVU
Briquette du Kivu is a company based in Bukavu, committed to combating deforestation and promoting the recycling of organic waste, contributing to the development of a green and sustainable economy in eastern DR Congo.
With the acquisition of a pallet compactor through support from Eastern Congo Initiative, the company has significantly strengthened its operational capacity. Its production of eco-friendly charcoal increased from 3 to 6.5 tons per month, while its biodegradable waste collection capacity doubled from 9 to 18 tons per month.
Briquette du Kivu is now able to supply substantial quantities of eco-charcoal to clients, including the Panzi Foundation, which purchases 4 tons. Currently, the company serves 403 households, 28 restaurants, 5 poultry farmers (for heating chicken coops), 2 orphanages, and a nutrition center.
EVER’ADDICT
EVER’ADDICT is a wellness and community-focused organization based in Bukavu, dedicated to promoting the holistic well-being of women through sports and physical activities. With support from Eastern Congo Initiative, the organization was able to establish a new wellness center equipped with 10 modern fitness machines. This facility provides the community with opportunities for both physical exercise and emotional well-being programs, empowering women and fostering healthier lifestyles within the community.
MAMAN KATANA
Alberta and Africa’s Great Lakes Foundation (AAGL Foundation/Maman Katana) is located in Kabare Territory. With support from Eastern Congo Initiative, the women farmers of Katana have experienced significant agricultural and social transformation.
As part of this initiative, the foundation distributed 6,454 kg of high-quality seeds—including 4,950 kg of beans and 1,504 kg of maize—to 275 farmers, comprising 218 women and 57 men, along with technical support based on best agricultural practices.
Following soil preparation and plowing in accordance with Season A recommendations, the farmers produced 6,000 kg of beans, in addition to the maize cultivated in marshlands. These outcomes created real economic opportunities while strengthening the financial independence and self-esteem of the women farmers in Katana.
TOMORROW SARL
Tomorrow SARL is a Congolese company operating in the agri-food sector, headquartered in Goma and active in Rutshuru Territory North Kivu, DR Congo”]. With support from Eastern Congo Initiative, the company acquired a corn threshing machine for farming a 10-hectare area in the Ruzizi Plain, located in Bafuliru, specifically in the village of Luvungiivu, DR Congo”], 59 km from Bukavu
Tout En Est
TOUT EN EST is an agricultural processing enterprise focused on reviving fruit cultivation in North Kivu province, with its main operational site in Lubero support from Eastern Congo Initiative, the company launched the “Farmer Support Program for Fruit Cultivation” across Lubero Territory and surrounding areas.
As part of this initiative, the enterprise distributed 3,509 kg of seeds—including 1,379 kg of vegetable seeds and 2,130 kg of fruit seeds—to 1,000 households, comprising 700 women and 300 men, across a total area of 3,589.16 hectares. Each household also received basic agricultural tools, including 1 hoe and 1 machete.
Beneficiaries were trained in proper composting techniques and modern fruit farming methods to improve crop yields and enhance sustainable agricultural practices.
KEZAH VOGUE
Kezah-Vogue is a fashion company based in Goma from Eastern Congo Initiative, the company provided comprehensive sewing and tailoring training to 10 orphaned young women.
In addition to practical lessons, each participant received a complete sewing kit, including a pedal sewing machine, scissors, and various professional tools such as measuring tapes, enabling them to start income-generating activities immediately.
The impact of this initiative is already evident: the young women pursued further training, opened home-based tailoring workshops, and specialized in making uniforms, dresses, camisoles, and clothing alterations. Thanks to the skills acquired, they are now able to achieve financial independence and meet their daily needs. Through its support, Kezah-Vogue has helped transform lives and open new opportunities for the young women of the Goma community.
SOCCECO
Founded in 2021, the Congolese Ecological Company (SOCECO) is an enterprise primarily operating in South Kivu, DRC, specializing in the transformation of plastic and organic waste into valuable resources. Through waste collection, sorting, and recovery activities in Bukavu, it contributes to reducing unsanitary conditions, improving urban aesthetics, and protecting the environment, while also generating economic opportunities.
With the support of ECI, the company has acquired 11 modern recycling machines, significantly strengthening its collection and sorting capacity. It currently operates two strategic sites, located in the Ruzizi II watershed and in Kadutu, where more than 150 tons of plastic waste are collected for transformation into paving stones and compost. These initiatives have also led to the creation of 41 green jobs, including 17 for men and 24 for women.
Our organization truly believes that by working together, we can save more lives than ever before.
Eastern Congo Initiative
P.O.Box 8442
Missoula, MT, 59807
815.329.2896
info@easterncongo.org
Designed By Roland Nyalundja