Last week marked a pivotal moment for youth-led agricultural transformation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As part of the official launch of the Youth Horticulture Training Program, initiated in collaboration with YASEKA, 24 ambitious young recruits embarked on the first step of a transformative and rigorous journey in Kinshasa.
Over two orientation days, the participants were invited not merely to join a training program but to embrace a vision: agriculture as a driver of opportunity, innovation, and sustainable development.
Day One focused on strategic dialogue. Participants explored the program’s objectives, expected outcomes, and the responsibilities each individual holds for collective success. The session underscored a clear perspective: to become professional actors in agribusiness—disciplined, innovative, and committed to modern horticultural production—and to serve as pioneers of a movement transforming agriculture for youth across the DRC.
Day Two offered hands-on immersion at the YASEKA Horticulture Park in Mbakana, Maluku. On-site, the recruits discovered their future training environment, including production areas and business management practices aligned with technical requirements and professional standards. This practical exposure reinforced the link between theory and field-based realities, setting the stage for tangible skills development.
This preparatory phase was essential for aligning expectations, clarifying commitments, and establishing the foundation for a pathway centered on employability, economic empowerment, and sustainable integration into agricultural value chains.
Beyond skill-building, this program represents a strategic investment in a generation of young recruits capable of transforming agricultural challenges into economic opportunities.
By equipping youth with knowledge, technical expertise, and a sense of purpose, AALI and YASEKA are cultivating leaders who will actively contribute to food security, rural development, and inclusive economic growth in the DRC.