On March 13, 2026, the African Agricultural Leadership Institute (AALI) officially launched the first cohort of the youth training program in circular economy and agribusiness under the Bongola Fulu-Initiative project. Thirty young participants, selected from the commune of Masina in Kinshasa, joined this first group dedicated to innovation and green entrepreneurship.
The program aims to strengthen the technical and entrepreneurial skills of young people, enabling them to transform organic waste into sustainable economic resources. By focusing on the principles of the circular economy, the training prepares participants to convert bio-waste into compost and to develop micro-enterprises within the emerging bio-circular economy.
Selected beneficiaries will receive practical training in the collection, processing, and valorization of biowaste, particularly from the Indu, Pascal, and Kulumba markets. The initiative pursues a dual objective: supporting urban and peri-urban agriculture in Kinshasa while contributing to improved city sanitation and the creation of income-generating opportunities for youth.
The Bongola Fulu Initiative aims to process nearly 400 tons of biowaste each year, producing compost that will help improve soil fertility and strengthen local vegetable production while promoting the reuse of organic resources.
Implemented by AALI in collaboration with Rikolto and with the support of the Brussels-Capital Region, this project reflects the shared commitment of the Institute and its partners to empower African youth with innovative solutions for agriculture and environmental sustainability.