DRC government aims to revive local rice production with new project

The Congolese government is spearheading a new initiative, "Riz Bumba, Loso na Biso," aimed at revitalizing the production of Bumba rice, a staple previously consumed in many Congolese households. This project positions the local rice as a key driver for economic development and food sovereignty within the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The "Riz Bumba, Loso na Biso" project intends to structure a robust rice industry capable of boosting output, generating employment, and enhancing the earnings of producers. The initiative is championed by the Ministry of National Economy, with support from the Economic Regulation Fund and implementation by the Société Rizicole de Bumba, a subsidiary of Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC).

Set to run from 2026 to 2030, the project targets the support of approximately 30,000 partner producers. It also plans the establishment of seven rice processing units, with an ambitious goal of producing 250,000 tons of rice by 2030. Beyond production targets, the project emphasizes transforming the rural economy through job creation and increased participation of women and youth in the agricultural value chain.

Officials state that "Riz Bumba, Loso na Biso" aims to leverage the agricultural potential of the Mongala province and gradually decrease the DRC's dependence on imported rice. A memorandum of understanding for the intensive development of the rice sector in Mongala was signed on June 18 in Kinshasa between the Ministry of National Economy, the Economic Regulation Fund (FOREC), and the Société Rizicole de Bumba (SRB).