Supporting La Différence

LA DIFFÉRENCE IS A PLATFORM FOR INNOVATION AND PROGRESS IN THE KIVU REGION, EASTERN DR CONGO

ABOUT US

FOUNDED IN 2014 BY PATRICK BYAMUNGU AND MIKE BEESTON , LA DIFFERENCE WAS THE FIRST SOCIAL BUSINESS ACCELERATOR IN EASTERN DR CONGO.

La Différence has been supporting social enterprises and contributing to the development of market chains in Kivu since 2015. Over this period, we have helped create more than 30 businesses, the majority of which continue to operate to this day. They combine to generate revenues in excess of $15 million a year and provide income for over 5,000 people. Several companies, such as Pamoja `net, SCPNCK and Nyange Nyange, have been pioneers in the development of their sector, while others, notably Altech, have become national leaders. Their impact is tangible. Pamoja Net has introduced the Internet to over 5,000 people, while Altech has distributed over 300,000 solar products and impacted the lives of 1.5 million people. Along the way, we've also worked with civil society groups, for example to provide contraceptive implants to over 4,000 couples on the island of Idjwi, and to develop a go-to source of information during the covid pandemic.

Today, we're working to install Pamoja Net (Community Wifi Network) on the Ruzizi plain in South Kivu and help develop the circular economy throughout the region. We are continuing our work with Altech and have begun the process of increasing the volume of Nyange Nyange rice. We also continue to offer the accelerator program to help emerging companies cross the "pioneer gap". Success will mean that Congolese entrepreneurs are driving progress towards peace, prosperity and well-being. The Congolese entrepreneurial sector is not a transitional solution. It is the future of the Congo. And La Différence, as an organization and a model of sustainable progress, intends to accompany Congolese entrepreneurs on their journey. Even if it takes many years.

To date, we have helped 25 businesses grow and expand. The Difference, they have created income opportunities for 4,700 people, distributed products and services to 550,000 people and generated annual revenues of $4 million.

OUR MISSION

We combine business and financial support with design and technology to help social entrepreneurs develop sustainable businesses that improve their livelihoods and well-being.

OUR VISION

We want to see a community of internationally renowned social enterprises that are building a progressive economy in eastern DR Congo and that are role models on the national and international stage.

WHO WE ARE

Our team is made up of the DRC and a network of experts around the world. Based in Bukavu, South Kivu, our local team is entirely Congolese. We are a dynamic mix of business consultants, technologists, researchers, marketing experts and financial managers. We have knowledge and experience of the business environment in Kivu and the daily reality, which means that our work is relevant and adapted to the specific situation of our partners.

WHERE WE WORK

We work in South and North Kivu, two provinces in eastern DRC that combined are the size of England and more than four times the size of Rwanda. We believe that entrepreneurship and innovation can play a key role in breaking systemic cycles of poverty and insecurity. This situation is made more difficult by heavy taxes and red tape and the absence of local manufacturing which has opened the door to a flood of cheap imports. Despite this, we are seeing the growth of a community of young entrepreneurs who want to play an active role in shaping the future of their families, their communities and their country as a whole. Our work is a direct response to their need for support and from our base in Bukavu, South Kivu, we have invested in new entrepreneurs and social enterprises in Bukavu, Goma, Idjwi Island, Nyangezi, Kavumu , Mudaka and in the plain of Rusizi.

OUR PARTNERS

Our partners are social entrepreneurs. Congolese changemakers who have the potential to deliver innovative solutions to social and environmental issues. All of our partners have the drive and ambition to build sustainable businesses that can improve livelihoods and well-being in Eastern Congo. We invest in their social enterprises or cooperatives, from proof of concept to implementation and growth. Our partners work in four sectors: agriculture, clean energy, digital and utilities.

OUR SUPPORTERS

Collaborating with a global community of innovators and entrepreneurs is at the heart of our work. They are experts in technology, business design, marketing, communication and innovation. Our network of collaborators dedicate their time and expertise to our business partners, working directly with them and our staff on specific projects. Our funders provide financial support to help us scale innovative solutions to social and environmental issues. And our delivery partners help bolster the support provided by La Difference staff.