The Democratic Republic of the Congo's agrifood sector presents high-impact investment opportunities to strengthen food security, unlock the country's vast agricultural potential, and drive inclusive economic growth. This year, the Government of the DRC showcases five strategic agrifood investment cases, organized around two priority corridors: the Lobito Corridor (Maize, Poultry, and Aquaculture) and the Green Corridor (Cocoa and Coffee).     

These investment opportunities address key structural constraints affecting the sector, including underexploited arable and irrigable land, weak infrastructure, and heavy reliance on food imports (DRC is a net food importer, spending an estimated US$2.5 billion annually). Along the Lobito Corridor, investments in maize, poultry, and aquaculture aim to close a widening supply gap and reduce import dependency in fast-growing urban markets. Along the Green Corridor, investments in cocoa and coffee value chains aim to rehabilitate abandoned plantations, expand local processing, and capture high-value export markets.   

Together, these five investment cases represent a combined portfolio of approximately US$1.23 billion in public and private capital, with a projected internal rate of return of 21.1% and a net present value of approximately US$3 billion. They are expected to directly benefit 60,000 producers and reach a further 300,000 people indirectly, while contributing to climate resilience through an estimated 57 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent avoided or sequestered over 20 years — offering scalable, commercially viable solutions for a more food-secure, resilient, and prosperous DRC.

Maize

INVESTMENT

USD 185.5M 

INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN(%)

13.34%

NET PRESENT VALUE

USD 90.53M

DIRECT BENEFICIARIES

10,500

INDIRECT BENEFICIARIES

52,500

INCOME INCREASE PER CAPITA

696 USD/small-scale farmers |  Up to 24,000 USD/large-scale farmers: 

EMISSION REDUTION (EXACT)

-49,843 tCO₂e