When Benjamin Ondoma and his collaborators launched “l’Eternel est Mon Berger” (means “The Lord is my Shepherd” in French, [EMOB]), a small enterprise specializing in honey production in Haut-Uele province, they faced significant challenges in securing funding to scale their business. Key obstacles included the lack of business planning, exacerbated by limited accounting capacity needed to apply for bank investments.
In 2023, through its Garamba Alliance Activity (GAA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) selected EMOB to participate in a business acceleration process. This small business stood out for its potential to create sustainable livelihood opportunities – including through the creation of jobs and income – for small producers in the community. With financial and technical support from USAID, EMOB successfully finalized its loan application process earlier this year, and secured a loan from Sofibanque, a Congolese commercial bank seeking to expand its portfolio of SME clients.
Recognizing the unique needs and potential of EMOB, Sofibanque adapted its loan products to better suit the small enterprise’s capacity. The loan included a three-month grace period for repayment, a favorable 12 percent annual interest rate, and a three-year repayment period. This customized financial support provided EMOB with the necessary capital to scale its operations.
“Being selected as one of the SMEs to participate in the Challenge Fund program has been a gamechanger for us. The financial support we have been able to get from Sofibanque coupled with the business training and continuous technical assistance we receive from the program have enabled us to optimize our business management and operations. Our business has achieved a rapid growth over the past year thanks to the Challenge Fund program.”
– Benjamin ONDOMA – Owner and Director EMOB
With the loan secured, Benjamin and his collaborators strategically invested in equipment such as a larger extractor, filter, and containers to increase its storage and processing capacity. The company also expanded its staff by recruiting six additional field agents to provide technical assistance to the small beekeepers it sources from. In just two months, Benjamin couldn’t believe that EMOB was able to successfully purchase over 12 tons of raw honey from hundreds of small local beekeepers in just one harvesting campaign, from only 3 tons a year before.
Additionally, thanks to the support provided by USAID on market access strategies, EMOB now has the knowledge to identify new market opportunities and further expand its reach. The company has since processed this raw honey and started selling it to local retailers and wholesale buyers across the region, ensuring a steady revenue stream. The combined support, which led to operational expansion, enabled Benjamin and his team to generate over $10,000 in sales of honey and beeswax in just over six months this year, compared to $3,500 generated in 2023.
The growth of businesses – such as EMOB – is not only creating new employment opportunities. It is also offering improved market opportunities in their communities, something Benjamin is very proud of.
“I’m really happy and grateful for the partnership with EMOB. Thanks to the money received from the sale of honey this season, I was able to realize my dream of building a stronger house for my family that provides us with better security and protection against the weather,” said Atsokoru Nyadri, one of the beekeepers EMOB sourced from for the first time this year.
Since securing their loan from Sofibanque in February 2024, EMOB has been on track to meet their monthly loan reimbursements, underscoring the company’s financial stability and growth potential. With its enhanced operational capacity, EMOB is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory, while also benefiting the local economy and supporting the livelihoods of small beekeepers in the region. The partnership between USAID GAA and Sofibanque has not only provided financial backing but has also established a robust support system, paving the way for sustained success and development.
Benjamin’s story, and EMOB’s growth journey, serves as an inspiring example of how tailored financial solutions and collaborative efforts can empower local entrepreneurs and SMEs to achieve significant milestones and contribute to their communities’ economic prosperity.
About the Activity:
USAID Garamba Alliance Activity (GAA) is a five-year (2022–2027) activity targeting the province of Haut Uele in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The primary purpose of the USAID GAA is to ensure the region’s sustainable development and the protection of biodiversity in Garamba National Park. USAID GAA aims to create lasting impact by improving access to economic opportunities through training and financial services, such as loans and saving, boosting sustainable enterprise development, reinforcing the capacity and opportunities for legal artisanal mining, and ensuring the protection of biodiversity within and around Haut-Uele.
Since June 2023, USAID GAA has partnered with Sofibanque to support the development and growth of SMEs. This collaboration provides start-up capital, training, office space, and access to credit. In addition, it delivers business management training such as accounting, financial education, and business plan development to SMEs.
