In 2016, Yannick Kabeya, Luc Mali, Yves Musubao and Lucien Mbombo were four ambitious young men with a desire to make a change. They were well aware of the problems in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, like the lack of food, the use of child soldiers, and the exploitation of workers. For them, agriculture was the key to moving the country forward. With 20,000 hectares of arable land, a temperate climate, a readily available workforce, and a market of 100 million people, the path seemed obvious. Their ambition was not limited to starting an agricultural company; they wanted to begin a movement in their community. They imagined a future where people no longer worried about having enough food, workers never had to suffocate in dangerous mines, and youths increased their knowledge and pursued their careers.
They started Tomorrow SARL after doing research on the market and getting a good idea of what was needed in the area. They focus on growing high-nutrient corn and soybeans. However, their journey was riddled with challenges. They competed with foreign suppliers who dominated the food market and survived an invasion of armyworms that nearly destroyed the business. Their hard work and diligence, together with the support and guidance of international organizations, were instrumental in Tomorrow's success.
In 2022, Tomorrow SARL received grant funding from the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI), a startup incubator that operates in the Eastern DRC, to purchase modern equipment, navigate bureaucracy, and connect with funders and clients, including the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF). With the USADF grant funding, Tomorrow SARL grew, added more capacity, and entered more markets.
Six years later, the efforts paid off. Tomorrow SARL now makes 7 tons of semolina flour every day and sells it for US$4 less per bag than its foreign competitors to about 1,500 customers in Goma. This supply is also key to a more resilient future for Congo, whose borders are sometimes fragile, making importing more complex. Their recent endeavor into watermelon cultivation was a triumph, marking the first time Congolese could enjoy locally grown melons. Most notably, their impact goes beyond business. By advocating for agricultural development and introducing modern farming methods, they inspired teenagers to work instead of enlisting in fighting groups or committing petty crimes.
Yannick, Luc, Yves and Lucien have inspired their neighbors to plant crops and start their own farming businesses. They were proudest of their community when the community came together and delivered against the Kenyan government's order of 300kg of soy. Through Tomorrow SARL's vision and perseverance, agriculture is becoming a unifying force, bringing hope for a better life and a path for action.