• Frico Agri has signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Dutch firms Delphy B.V., Go&Grow Farm Solutions, and Agrico B.V. to strengthen the potato value chain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
• The partnerships aim to improve seed quality, storage capacity, and agricultural mechanization, addressing key barriers that have limited Frico Agri’s production
• The pilot project with Agrico B.V. will cover 10 hectares in Kongo Central, targeting an annual output of 450 tons of potatoes to sustain the company’s processing operations

Kinshasa-based agribusiness Frico Agri, founded in 2019, plans to expand its frozen French fries production through partnerships with three Dutch agricultural companies. The company signed memorandums of understanding with Delphy B.V., Go&Grow Farm Solutions, and Agrico B.V. to strengthen the potato value chain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The agreements followed a business mission to the Netherlands held from October 13 to 30, 2025. Frico Agri’s founder and CEO, Jean Johnson Bapanga, led the delegation, supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the Dutch Embassy in the DRC, Orange Corners, and Ingenious City.

The collaboration with Delphy B.V. will focus on adapting Dutch farming techniques to local climate and soil conditions. Delphy will provide expertise in soil management, pest control, and climate-smart agriculture, while also training Congolese farmers.

The partnership with Go&Grow Farm Solutions aims to modernize farm equipment and storage facilities. The Dutch company will assist in procuring and installing new machinery and training local technicians to operate and maintain it.

Agrico B.V. will establish a 10-hectare pilot project in Kongo Central Province to cultivate the Markies potato variety, known for its suitability for industrial processing. The initiative will include field trials, farmer training, and agronomic monitoring to improve yields and quality.

Frico Agri expects the project to produce around 450 tons of potatoes annually, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for its processing plant between harvests.

Currently, the company processes about 41.6 tons of potatoes per month to produce 20.8 tons of frozen fries. Since 2024, it has faced two main challenges: a shortage of suitable seed varieties and insufficient storage facilities. These constraints have slowed production growth and revealed a lack of local expertise in seed selection and post-harvest management.

The partnerships with Dutch firms aim to address these gaps and lay the foundation for an integrated potato supply chain in the DRC. The timeline for finalizing the agreements and implementing the projects has not yet been disclosed.

This article was initially published in French by Ronsard Lubeya for Bankable,

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum