IITA and DG Sanginga recognized for entrepreneurial activities in DRC
CGIAR-IITA has been honored with an excellence award for having the best entrepreneurial activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The award ceremony was part of a conference organized by the Fédération des Entreprises du Congo (FEC) and the government of DRC, which took place in Kinshasa, 11–12 March. IITA was cited in the annual Enterprise Challenge Forum of the FEC for distinguishing itself during the year.
Following the inauguration of the President Olusegun Obasanjo Research Campus by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi in Bukavu last October 2019, FEC officials visited the campus and cited the excellence of the facilities and scientific activities. In addition, they noted IITA’s contribution to the community, being the third largest employer in the city of Bukavu, where it is located.
IITA Director General Nteranya Sanginga represented the Institute and served as a keynote speaker and panelist. In his address, DG Sanginga spoke about the objectives of IITA to support the Congolese government in their aim to become self-sufficient and reduce their importation bill. He also highlighted the activities of the IITA Business Incubation Platform (BIP), particularly on seed production and distribution, as well as the impact of the IITA Youth Agripreneurs.