REGIONAL MARKET EXPANSION • UGANDA–DRC
PIBID/BIRDC Opens North Kivu Market Through Landmark TOOKE Partnership
MoU establishes a phased pathway for TOOKE flour distribution, regional entrepreneurship and future franchise development in eastern DRC.
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NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO |
27 AUGUST 2026 |
The Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development/Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (PIBID/BIRDC) has taken a major step towards expanding Uganda’s regional market presence by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Provincial Government of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The MoU was signed by the Director General of PIBID/BIRDC, Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga, and the Military Governor of North Kivu, His Excellency Major General Evariste Somo Kakule.
The partnership establishes a framework for introducing TOOKE products into the North Kivu market, beginning with raw and instant TOOKE flour. It is expected to progress towards the establishment of TOOKE distribution hubs and, ultimately, franchise operations within the province.
This phased approach will provide a solid platform for expanding the TOOKE brand while creating distributorship, franchising and entrepreneurship opportunities for businesses and communities in North Kivu. It will also promote value addition and regional trade in products made from Uganda’s highland green bananas, which offer strong potential in the growing market for gluten-free and sustainably produced foods.
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“This partnership is about building lasting economic relationships, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and strengthening regional cooperation through trade and value addition.” — REV. PROF. FLORENCE ISABIRYE MURANGA, DIRECTOR GENERAL, PIBID/BIRDC |
Rev. Prof. Muranga welcomed the partnership and the commercial opportunities it creates between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She expressed hope that the initiative would go beyond business returns to strengthen regional cooperation, economic integration and mutually beneficial trade between the two countries.
His Excellency Major General Kakule and the Ambassador commended the Presidents of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for supporting the development of cross-border road infrastructure. They noted that improved road connectivity will strengthen market access, ease the movement of goods and people, and unlock greater commercial opportunities between the two neighbouring countries.
The signing marks an important milestone in PIBID/BIRDC’s regional market-expansion agenda and positions North Kivu as a strategic gateway for TOOKE products into the wider Congolese market.
Through the partnership, PIBID/BIRDC seeks to demonstrate how scientific research, agricultural value addition and enterprise development can create sustainable markets, support entrepreneurs and deepen economic cooperation across the region.
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Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development / Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre
