Whistleblowing

Equity BCDC grants cheques to the first group of recipients of the joint project promoting food
security with the World Food Programme (WFP)

EquityBCDC and the World Food Programme (WFP) in the DRC are jointly
implementing the project "Promotion of Sustainable Food Security in the DRC". This ambitious project aims
to stimulate the development of a sustainable agro-industrial sector that contributes to economic
diversification, food and nutritional security, employment, andlivelihood improvement in the DRC. While this
project is intended to be implemented nationally, this pilot phase is being carried out in two provinces,
namely Kongo Central and Kasai Oriental.

Equity BCDC is pleased to announce the distribution of the first cheques to participants, representing 319
beneficiaries. These funds will support smallholder farmers and SMEs along the selected value chains
(maize and rice), enabling them to better organize, access markets, and become more productive and
profitable.

This project will bring significant impact to the lives of people in local communities by strengthening food
security, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods. All of this is achieved through the vision of EquityBCDC,
which is to be the champion of socio-economic prosperity for Africans, and that of the WFP, which is to
"Save Lives and Change Lives".

The specific objective of the project is to transform selected priority agricultural value chains into effective,
inclusive, and sustainable business opportunities to provide income, food, and employment, thereby
improving the nutritional status and livelihoods of the beneficiaries.

Through this project, Equity BCDC and the World Food Programme are committed to achieving the
project's objectives through the following five axes:

- Support for increasing productivity, production, and income of farmers;
- Capacity building and support for young men and women to obtain dignified and satisfying jobs in agro-industries;
- Support and promotion of competitive agro-transformation and valorization led by the private sector;
- Improvement of beneficiaries' access to financing (credit) and markets;
Project management and strengthening of the key institutions in the value chain.

Celestin Mukeba, Managing Director of EquityBCDC, stated, "This project aims to stimulate the
development of a sustainable agro-industrial sector, thereby enhancing food security, nutrition, and livelihoods
in the DRC. By distributing these cheques to beneficiaries, we are investing in the future of our nation by
providing effective, inclusive, and sustainable business opportunities."


Peter Musoko, Representative and Country Director of WFP in the DRC, commented, "Innovative finance
has the power to turn challenges into opportunities, driving sustainable development and growth in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, with women and youth at the forefront.

For more information, please contact:
Lesly Tungwa
Head of Communication Department
lesly.tungwa@equitybcdc.cd


Shelley Thakral
Head of Communications, Advocacy, and Marketing
Shelley.thakral@wfp.org

 

About EquityBCDC:
EquityBCDC is a subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings Plc, following the acquisition of the majority shares of
BCDC by EGH in July 2020. Established in the DRC since 1909, EquityBCDC facilitates access to banking
services for all and finances Micro, Small, Medium, and Large Enterprises, notably through inclusive financial
products and services that socially and economically empower consumers, businesses, and communities.
EquityBCDC's vision is to be the champion of prosperity for the peoples of Africa by transforming lives,
providing dignity, and offering wealth creation opportunities.

About World Food Programme (WFP):
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization. It saves lives in
emergencies and uses food assistance to pave the way for peace, stability, and prosperity for people
recovering from conflict, disaster, or the impact of climate change

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