Congratulations to Kampani with its investment in Soprocopiv

BIO sincerely congratulates its colleagues at Kampani with its 500K investment, sourced by BIO, in Soprocopiv, a coffee cooperative in Butembe (North Kivu, DRC), .

01-09-2023

Congratulations to Kampani with its investment in Soprocopiv

The business

Soprocopiv is a farmer cooperative that sources, processes, and markets coffee, cocoa, and other agricultural commodities. There are currently 9,636 members (5,036 members producing Arabica coffee, 2,600 producing Robusta coffee and 2,000 producing cocoa), making it one of the largest agricultural cooperatives in the region. Most of the cooperative’s revenues comes from coffee, but since 2021, it has expanded its commercial activities to include cocoa and cinchona. Soprocopiv coffees have Organic, Rainbow Alliance/UTZ and Fair for Life certification, ensuring it is sustainable. The cooperative also plays a role in facilitating access to production methods and certification for its members. Its 18 washing stations are located close to its producers, to avoid competition from uncertified coffee in neighbouring Uganda.

The investment

Cherries purchased from members are processed and dried at Soprocopiv’s existing washing stations before being transported to Butembo. The cooperative’s goal is to get as close as possible to the producers by increasing the number of washing stations so that coffee can be processed on the same day it is harvested. This will make for better quality, and reduce the risk of side-selling by the farmers who will no longer have to transport the cherries for long distances. As well as financing the building of four new stations, Kampani’s investment will also enable five older ones to be upgraded and modernised. Securing and increasing the coffee supply and improving its quality, is the best route to improving members’ incomes.

Congratulations to Kampani with its investment in Soprocopiv

Social impact

In Congo, some 60 to 70% of the employed population is involved in agriculture. But in terms of contribution to GDP, it accounts for some 20%. The agro-industrial sector is small and underdeveloped with weak value chains. Soprocopiv is recognized as the biggest sustainably certified cooperative in the Butembo region, and the number of members Soprocopiv works with has already made its impact highly visible.

Being part of the cooperative allows farmers in the region of North Kivu, a region which has been politically unstable for many years, to have a reliable off-take and a stable source of income. The cooperatives – spread over 16 villages – are located in remote locations and would not have access to specialty coffee markets on their own. This is where Sorpocopiv’s USP is most visible. For farmers, selling their products to Soprocopiv offers significant opportunities as it is their main source of cash income.

More news

BIO announces new CEO

 News

BIO announces new CEO

06-09-2023

The Board of Directors of the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Joris Totté as the new Chief Executive Officer of the organization, effective as of March 1st, 2024. This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for BIO as it continues its mission of fostering sustainable development and economic growth in emerging markets.

Read more
BIO and EDFI AgriFI invest EUR 6 M in gebana Faso

 News

BIO and EDFI AgriFI invest EUR 6 M in gebana Faso

05-09-2023

BIO, the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries, and EDFI AgriFI, the EU-funded Agriculture Financing Initiative, have proudly announced their co-investment of a total of EUR 6 million in gebana Faso (GFA), a pivotal step towards enhancing integrated and sustainable food supply chains in the region.

Read more
USD 15 M loan to AMK

 News

USD 15 M loan to AMK

03-07-2023

BIO commits a USD 15 million subordinated loan to Angkor Mikroheranhvatho Kampuchea Co., Ltd

Read more