• Democratic Republic of the Congo signs agreement to develop a sugar agro-industrial project in Haut-Katanga.

• Authorities aim to expand local production and reduce rising sugar imports.

• Imports increased by nearly 74% between 2020 and 2024, highlighting supply gaps.

In Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Ministry of Agriculture announced on March 18 that it signed a memorandum of understanding with customary authorities to develop a sugar agro-industrial project in Sakania, Haut-Katanga.

According to a statement published on the ministry’s website, the partnership will facilitate the identification and allocation of land from the public and private state domain located within the relevant customary entities.

18 mars 2026 | Une étape importante dans la marche vers la souveraineté alimentaire vient d’être franchie avec la signature à Kinshasa du mémorandum d’entente pour le développement d’un projet agro-industriel sucrier à Sakania (Haut-Katanga). Il s’agit d’une action visant à… pic.twitter.com/CMgEL5ebJQ

— Ministère de l'Agriculture et Sécurité Alimentaire (@minagri_rdc) March 19, 2026

Authorities said the project will enable large-scale sugarcane cultivation and support the establishment of modern processing facilities. “We have just signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a sugar agro-industrial industry in the territory of Sakania. This act marks the birth of a vast project that will now be known as the Sakania sugar plant,” said Muhindo Nzangi Butondo, Minister of Agriculture.

However, authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding land size, investment cost, or construction timelines. Nevertheless, the government has set a clear objective: it will strengthen domestic sugar production capacity to further reduce import dependence.

According to the central bank, local sugar production averaged 121,822 tonnes per year between 2015 and 2024 and never exceeded 130,000 tonnes during the past decade.

Meanwhile, import reliance has continued to grow. Data compiled on the Trade Map platform show that Congolese sugar imports increased by nearly 74% over five years, rising from 49,755 tonnes in 2020 to 86,341 tonnes in 2024.

This article was initially published in French by Stéphanas Assocle

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum