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Discover Congo Vert

Congo Vert develops local climate solutions by transforming biodegradable waste into stable biochar for energy and agricultural applications.

Our dual objective is to reduce pressure on forests while contributing to long-term carbon sequestration in Central Africa.

We valorize residual biomass through a controlled pyrolysis process to produce high-carbon-stability biochar.

The first practical application of this technology is Makala Vert, an energy briquette designed as a sustainable alternative to traditional charcoal.

Makala Vert represents:

  • Reduced deforestation
  • Valorization of organic waste
  • A more responsible local energy solution

Our Story

Through the Years

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2019

Creation of Congo Vert and Launch of the Makala Vert Project

 

Founded by a group of young entrepreneurs in Lubumbashi, Congo Vert launched the Makala Vert project with a production unit located in the Cadastre district of Kampemba municipality.

The production process was semi-artisanal and included waste carbonization, grinding, mixing with starch binder, molding, sun drying, and packaging.

See more

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2020

Local Visibility and Community Impact

  • Adoption by the BALOU Center in Lubumbashi à Lubumbashi :

    • The center, a boarding school for children, adopted Makala Vert as an alternative to traditional charcoal.

    • The ashes produced were used as fertilizer in vegetable gardens.

    • Approximately 2 tons of Makala Vert were donated, according to partner reports.

  • Media coverage :

    • Articles and videos, including a feature by Deutsche Welle (DW), presented Makala Vert as an environmentally friendly solution to wood harvesting and deforestation.

    • Makala Vert gained recognition as a sustainable local innovation.

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2021

Logistics Strengthening and Expansion

  • The production unit was relocated to a larger site of approximately 1,000 square meters provided through the support of BRASIMBA and the Pierre Castel Fund.

  • New equipment was acquired for collection, production, and delivery operations, including a new cargo tricycle for logistics.

  • Production capacity increased from approximately 10 tons per day to around 15 tons per day.

  • Local partnerships were established with stakeholders such as the Belgian School of Lubumbashi for environmental awareness activities and a local maize producer for biomass supply.

  • BRASIMBA and partner organizations conducted support visits to assist the project’s growth.

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2022

Promotion, Awareness and Participation

  • Promotional and awareness-raising activities were carried out to highlight the environmental benefits of Makala Vert through social media and engagement with local communities.

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2023

Operational Consolidation

  • Production capabilities were further strengthened, maintaining a stable production capacity of 10–15 tons per day.

  • Collection, production, distribution, and local promotion activities continued.

  • Exploratory projects with educational and community partners were pursued to expand environmental awareness efforts.

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    2024

    Regional Recognition

    Global Startup Awards Africa 2024 — GreenTech Startup of the Year (Regional Winner) :

    Congo Vert / Makala Vert was recognized as the regional winner for Africa in the GreenTech Startup category, representing the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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    2025

    National Awards and Strategic Positioning

    Pierre Castel Prize 2025

    National Winner of the Pierre Castel Prize 2025 (Agri-food or Green Energy category, according to partner references).

    Organizations Supporting Our Mission