Lubumbashi hosted the prestigious Grand Salon de l’Agribusiness et du Digital (GESAD) 2025, providing a platform for exchange and sharing around the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector. Among the key players of the event, the agricultural and livestock cooperative Copagel stood out as a strategic partner for the sustainability of the agricultural sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Located at the renowned Pullman Grand Caravia Hotel, COOPAGEL set up an expansive stand that attracted numerous visitors throughout the event. On-site exhibitions and conferences allowed participants to explore the diversity of products offered by this exemplary cooperative. The program featured consumer goods, vegetable and food crops, processed products, and livestock products. The stand highlighted the richness of Congolese agriculture through seeds, cereals, legumes, and much more.
A prominent figure at the event, the Honorable Lydiane Nabami Nyembo, President of the Board of Directors of COOPAGEL, distinguished herself with her commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture. As an ambassador for agricultural peace in the DRC, she held numerous meetings with students, young entrepreneurs, and sector stakeholders to share the cooperative’s experience and encourage the adoption of innovative farming practices. During her interactions, Honorable Lydiane Nabami Nyembo emphasized the importance of diversifying agricultural methods, stressing the potential of urban agriculture. She explained that it is entirely possible to practice farming in small spaces using simple materials like used cans, bags, or flower pots.
COOPAGEL’s stand was not just a product display but also incorporated an artistic dimension by showcasing paintings made from agricultural products like cereals and legumes—an unprecedented initiative that captivated visitors. Additionally, COOPAGEL highlighted its role as a seed producer in partnership with the government as part of the “Agricultural Transformation Agenda” program supported by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the African Institute of Agricultural Leadership (AALI). In this context, the cooperative has positioned itself as an expert in seed production, actively contributing to the availability of certified seeds for local farmers. These seeds—ranging from maize, rice, and beans to potatoes—are a key pillar of food security and agricultural sustainability in the DRC.
COOPAGEL’s expertise goes beyond agricultural production and includes awareness, training, and community organization. For example, the cooperative is actively involved in structuring agricultural communities into health mutuals, cooperatives, and unions to strengthen the informal economy. These initiatives aim to provide farmers with tools to better manage their production, enhance their resilience, and improve their well-being, particularly in health and social protection. Furthermore, COOPAGEL offers technical training on agricultural cooperatives, production methods, as well as financial education and mechanization training to improve farmers’ productivity and competitiveness.
Over the three days of the fair, Honorable Lydiane Nabami Nyembo participated in several discussion panels, including one on the modernization of agriculture through related sectors. She shared her vision of modern, sustainable agriculture, emphasizing that innovation and good governance are essential to succeed in this field. “The DRC must implement a clear agricultural policy that sets priorities and revitalize transformation, storage, and manufacturing infrastructures,” stated Lydiane Nabami Nyembo. She stressed the urgent need to adopt advanced technologies such as automated machinery, drones, and mobile applications to optimize production and improve the competitiveness of Congolese agriculture.
One of the major issues raised at the event was agricultural financing. Honorable Lydiane Nabami Nyembo addressed the need for easier access to agricultural credit for producers, as well as attractive interest rates to stimulate investment in the sector. She also highlighted the importance of strengthening human capacity by training agricultural actors in new technologies and practices.
The final day of the fair featured field visits to various farms, including the Go Congo and Asna farms, allowing the COOPAGEL delegation to observe firsthand the impact of agricultural initiatives and opportunities for improvement. These visits underscored the importance of agriculture’s territorial roots in supporting local economic development.
At the end of the fair, COOPAGEL was recognized for its outstanding contribution to the event, receiving a certificate of honor from the organizers, presented to Honorable Lydiane Nabami Nyembo. The success of this fourth edition of GESAD is a testament to the cooperative’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the Congolese agricultural sector. As preparations for the fifth edition of GESAD are already underway for next year, it is clear that actors like COOPAGEL will continue to play a crucial role in transforming the agricultural sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
By Kilalopress