Blog PABRA Project Partners Mesmerize at Bukavu International Economic Fair
The vibrant city of Bukavu in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) transformed into a hub of agricultural innovation, technology, and community spirit as it hosted the third International Economic Fair organized by the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC). Held from May 6-16, 2024, the fair provided a dynamic platform for the business community, Trade Promotion Bodies (TPOs), professional associations, and economic operators to showcase their products and services, forge commercial deals, and establish valuable business relationships and partnerships.
By: Paulin Njingulula, Napoleon Kajunju, Justice Munthali, Rachel Kayange, Yohane Chideya
Beyond its commercial focus, the fair celebrated regional integration, agricultural growth, and the relentless pursuit of innovation in the Great Lakes region. The Fair attracted over 270 entrepreneurs from South Kivu, North Kivu, and Tanganyika Provinces of the DRC, alongside 17 entrepreneurs from Burundi and 72 from Tanzania.
Platform for agricultural innovation and collaboration
The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT through the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), brought a splash of innovation and nutrition to the Eastern DRC by facilitating the participation of 10 of its partners in the fair. These partners, supported by the Integrated Agricultural Growth Project in the Great Lakes (PICAGL) and Beans for Women for Empowerment (B4WE) projects - funded by the World Bank and Global Alliance Canada (GAC), respectively - showcased their nutritious food products with enthusiasm.
Their mission was to promote the production, distribution, value addition and commercialization of biofortified crops and related processed products. Different exhibitions filled the atmosphere with excitement as these partners demonstrated the health benefits of biofortified crops, exchanged valuable knowledge, and seized new market opportunities, highlighting the transformative power of these nutritious innovations.
The presence of the Alliance, PABRA, and its partners showed their unwavering dedication to regional integration and agricultural innovation. By participating, they underscored their commitment to initiatives like PICAGL, which aims to foster sub-regional collaborations, promote groundbreaking agricultural practices, and develop robust supply chains and local value systems. This event highlighted their strategic efforts to unite with other sub-regional agricultural entities and drive forward the region's agricultural growth and sustainability.
Amplifying fair impact through media
The buildup to the fair was nothing short of electrifying. Bukavu was full of anticipation as the city prepared for the event. Posters were put up on every strategic corner, radio waves crackled with excitement, and local media outlets buzzed with news of the impending spectacle.
The atmosphere was charged with expectation as participants from Tanzania, Burundi, and the DRC geared up to showcase their innovative products and groundbreaking ideas, all converging in Bukavu for this occasion.
In addition, the fair burst into life with a riveting press conference on May 6, 2024, at the Chapiteau de Labotte. This crucial event set the tone and highlighted the fair’s ambitious objectives. A vibrant assembly of 61 participants - including journalists, students, researchers, and representatives from governments, NGOs, and farmer organizations - gathered to delve into the event’s goals and significance. The room buzzed with the energy of diverse minds and backgrounds, all united by a shared passion for agricultural innovation and regional cooperation. The stage was set for an unforgettable celebration of progress and collaboration.
Following the press conference, the fair’s spotlight turned to the highly anticipated exhibition of innovations, running up to May 16. The 10-member PABRA delegation impressed attendees with an array of agricultural products, cutting-edge technologies, and practical solutions to boost productivity and enhance livelihoods. Their pavilion became a hive of activity, attracting 2,611 visitors and potential customers. 239 attendees made purchases, bringing the innovations from the exhibition directly into their fields and homes.
Exhibitions and commercial triumphs
One of the standout exhibitors was the National Agricultural Research Institute (INERA), a pivotal Congolese government institution committed to agricultural research and development, including the production of early-generation seed. With support from PABRA, INERA showcased an array of advanced agricultural technologies, featuring six varieties of biofortified beans and six varieties of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. These varieties, rich in zinc, iron and vitamin A, exemplified the transformative potential of biofortification. The public was captivated by the promise these crops held for enhancing food security and nutrition, making INERA’s exhibit one of the highlights of the fair.
Figure 2: Beans and sweet potato varieties exhibited by INERA during the Bukavu International Economic Fair
Furthemore, SARCAF - a key scaling partner and prominent exhibitor - played a crucial role in bridging the gap between small producers and essential service providers. Their bustling stand displayed a diverse range of crops from small producers who had embraced advanced agricultural technologies. The impressive display - featuring beans, cassava, maize, tomatoes, cabbage and eggplant - demonstrated the real-world benefits of these innovations, attracting attention and admiration from fair attendees.
Figure 3: SARCAF led farmers exhibiting their produces including beans, vegetables and tubers, as some CIAT/PABRA staff look on.
Young people also seized this opportunity with enthusiasm. Young innovators from Kesho Congo and SEZI Ets, for instance, engaged attendees with their products made from beans, soybeans and maize, showcasing the endless possibilities of agricultural by-products. Their stands were not just displays: they told stories of creativity, resilience, and the promising future of agriculture in their respective provinces.
The fair marked a significant commercial success for the Alliance and PABRA's partners. A diverse range of products - from beans to bananas, eggplants, tomatoes, onions, and processed foods - were sold. Beyond sales, the event forged crucial commercial alliances and market pathways for participating partners. Notably, Noella Mankata Mauwa of 'Union des Femmes Mutuelles pour le Développement' (UFMD) - a PABRA-supported women’s collective in Kalemie - secured funding through the Eastern Congo Initiative. Meanwhile, Josée Mulolwa - Chairperson of 'Union des Producteurs et Vendeurs des Produits Agricoles' (UPROVEPA) in Goma - struck a deal with women bean traders from South-Kivu, ensuring a sustainable bean supply chain. These connections were the true treasures of the fair, promising enduring benefits.
Throughout the fair, media coverage played a significant role in amplifying outcomes and possible impacts. Journalists from Radio Maendeleo, Radio Television Ngoma ya Kivu, United Nations Radio Okapi, and national television channels (RTNC) covered the event extensively. Their stories and broadcasts brought the innovations and successes of the fair to a wider audience, highlighting the importance of agricultural innovation and the human stories behind it. Thousands of listeners heard through the media how the Alliance and PABRA are supporting agriculture and farmers in Eastern DRC. The reactions from visitors were very positive, and the community expressed their hope to see more endeavors from the Alliance, PABRA, and their partners.
Reflections and Future Prospects
The fair was a true celebration of the Eastern Africa Community (EAC)'s ingenuity and potential. It emphasized the critical need to support local innovations, enhance regional cooperation, and link small producers with lucrative markets - a lesson that demands ongoing cultivation. The event illustrated the transformative impact of collective efforts, and highlighted the Great Lakes region's capacity to lead agricultural innovation when backed by strategic investments from partners such as the World Bank and Global Affairs Canada, as seen through their support of the PICAGL and B4WE projects.
Participants learnt valuable lessons and reignited their motivation. They witnessed first hand the creativity and determination of their peers, drawing inspiration from each other's innovations. These interactions forged connections that are sure to fuel their future endeavors. Overall, the fair cultivated a strong sense of community spirit and shared purpose among all who attended.
Florence Nyamwezi from ABECHA Company reflected on the fair’s impact: “Thanks to the fair, I was able to meet other innovators, getting to know other people and what they are doing. I will continue to improve our innovation and products and participate in future exhibitions, becoming competitive in the regional market".
The Bukavu International Economic Fair marked a significant milestone in the journey of agricultural innovation led by the Alliance and PABRA in the Great Lakes region. It also laid the groundwork for future successes and expanded market linkages for bean value chain actors and others. This progress is expected to boost farmers’ incomes and improve the livelihoods of millions of people in the DRC.
Figure 4: Noella Mwavita (Centre) SARCAF Coordinator captured during the exhibition with one of the women supported by her organisation.
