The Central region of Africa is home to some of the most innovative and impactful agripreneurs on the continent. Among the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition Top 12 Finalists, La Boîte and Green Community Mind (GRECOM) stand out as exemplary enterprises from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These companies are not only transforming their respective industries but are also making significant contributions to the socio-economic and environmental development of their communities.
La Boîte: A Beacon of Sustainable Agriculture in the DRC
La Boîte, a dynamic agribusiness based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is redefining the coffee industry with its flagship product, La Kinoise coffee. Founded by Tisya Mukuna, La Boîte is the only coffee plantation in Kinshasa, spanning nearly 20 hectares. With a commitment to sustainable agriculture and social impact, La Boîte not only produces high-quality coffee but also revitalizes abandoned coffee plantations across the DRC. Their modern factory ensures that the entire process, from cultivation to processing, adheres to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

La Kinoise coffee in one of it’s forms
La Kinoise coffee is more than just a product; it’s a symbol of Congolese pride and resilience. By reviving abandoned plantations and supporting local cooperatives, La Boîte provides technical and financial assistance to farmers in remote provinces, helping them improve agricultural practices and boost productivity. This initiative is crucial in a country where the coffee industry has struggled to regain its footing after decades of decline. La Kinoise coffee is a testament to the potential of Congolese agriculture, offering a unique, rich flavor that represents the terroir of the DRC.
The Business
La Boîte’s vision for the future is deeply rooted in environmental stewardship and the promotion of African agriculture. The company’s approach to coffee production is holistic, ensuring that every step of the process, from farming to distribution, aligns with their commitment to sustainability. By investing in local agriculture, La Boîte is helping to preserve the environment while also providing a model for sustainable development that other African countries can follow.
The revival of abandoned coffee plantations is a key part of La Boîte’s strategy. By partnering with local cooperatives, the company is helping to restore the DRC’s status as a major coffee exporter. This not only boosts the local economy but also provides a sustainable source of income for farmers in remote areas. La Boîte’s efforts are helping to build a future where Congolese coffee is recognized globally for its quality and sustainability.

Their team and their products
Their Impact
At the heart of La Boîte’s mission is innovation with a social purpose. The company’s “1 Cart, 1 Job” program is a shining example of this. Launched to combat youth unemployment and promote self-entrepreneurship, the program trains young people to become itinerant vendors, providing them with a sales kit and a cart. This initiative not only creates jobs but also ensures a reliable distribution network for La Kinoise coffee. With 40 carts already in operation and plans to expand to 195 by 2026, the program is making a significant impact on local communities by fostering economic independence and reducing unemployment.

The La BOITE Factory
La Boîte’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its social initiatives. The company practices responsible agriculture, focusing on environmental conservation and the efficient use of resources. By supporting cooperatives in eight provinces of the DRC, La Boîte ensures that its operations contribute to the long-term sustainability of the coffee industry. The company’s efforts to revitalize the coffee sector in the DRC are not just about producing coffee but about creating a sustainable, self-reliant agricultural economy that can withstand the challenges of the modern world.
GRECOM: Innovating Beekeeping and Agriculture in the DRC
Green Community Mind (GRECOM) is at the forefront of agricultural innovation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), combining modern beekeeping with regenerative agricultural practices to address the challenges posed by climate change. Based in North Kivu, GRECOM has been a game-changer in the agri-food industry, using sustainable methods that not only improve food production but also protect the environment.
The Business

Honeycomb at GRECOM
At the heart of GRECOM’s approach is NYUKI TECH, a cutting-edge technological solution designed to support beekeepers and farmers. NYUKI TECH is unique in its ability to function both online and offline, using low and high-tech solutions that rely on the GSM system. This flexibility ensures that even in remote areas with limited connectivity, users can still benefit from its features. One of the standout innovations within NYUKI TECH is the APICARD, a microchip that identifies and tracks players in the beekeeping value chain. This allows for precise monitoring of beekeepers and their activities, enhancing traceability and efficiency.
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in NYUKI TECH, enabling users to search for information related to beekeeping and receive real-time directions and guidance. This AI-driven feature is particularly beneficial in optimizing beekeeping practices, ensuring that users have access to the latest data and techniques. Additionally, the platform provides detailed information about honey bee production and foraging zones, helping customers make informed decisions. It also tracks the journey of honey from production to delivery, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.

Deborah Nzaruba and her beekeepers
GRECOM’s commitment to innovation extends to the use of connected beehives, which allow beekeepers to monitor their hives remotely. These smart hives provide real-time data on humidity, temperature, and weather conditions in the areas where the bees forage, enabling beekeepers to make proactive decisions to ensure the health and productivity of their colonies. This technology is a significant advancement in beekeeping, as it not only improves yield but also helps in preserving the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Their Impact

Connected beehives
In addition to its technological innovations, GRECOM is deeply committed to social and environmental impact. The company promotes sustainable and regenerative practices that enhance soil health, conserve water, and increase biodiversity. These efforts are crucial in the fight against climate change, as they help small-scale farmers and beekeepers adapt to the increasing challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and flooding.
By integrating technology with sustainable agriculture, GRECOM is creating a resilient agricultural model that benefits both people and the planet. Their work is a testament to the potential of green entrepreneurship to drive socio-economic and ecological recovery in the DRC. Through initiatives like NYUKI TECH, GRECOM is not only improving livelihoods but also contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future for the region.

Technology and sustainability working together
GRECOM promotes sustainable beekeeping and regenerative agriculture, as well as helping to preserve biodiversity and improve the resilience of local ecosystems. The company’s focus on renewable energy and technological innovation is setting new standards for sustainable agriculture in the DRC. GRECOM’s efforts are not only improving food security but are also providing a blueprint for how agriculture can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
Conclusion
The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition highlights the incredible potential of African agripreneurs to drive change in their communities and beyond. La Boîte and GRECOM, as finalists from the Central region, exemplify this potential through their innovative approaches to coffee production and sustainable agriculture. These companies are not just businesses; they are movements, leading the way towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for the DRC and the African continent. As they continue to grow and scale their operations, La Boîte and GRECOM will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of agriculture in Africa.
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GoGettaz Co-Founders:
Yara International: https://www.yara.com/
Econet: https://www.econetafrica.com/
GoGettaz Partners:
Africa Food Systems Forum: https://agrf.org/
Alliance for a Green Revolution Africa: https://agra.org/
Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions: http://www.sacau.org/
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation https://www.snv.org/
U.S. Agency for International Development: https://www.usaid.gov/