Published on Oct. 13, 2025
Congo Poultry: A new chapter in African poultry development
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo Poultry is quietly transforming the future of poultry farming. What began as two Dutch-supported projects in Kinshasa and Bukavu has grown into a coordinated initiative to produce high-quality day-old chicks locally, strengthen food security, and support small-scale farmers across the country.
The foundation was laid with the Eggs for Congo project, a modern layer farm in Kinshasa, and a parent stock farm in Bukavu. These efforts evolved into a broader vision, breeding and hatching ISA Brown and Sasso chicks for both commercial and rural markets. Sasso was added to reach farmers in remote areas, where access to modern poultry breeds had long been out of reach. Today, Congo Poultry operates parent stock farms in Kinshasa and Pointe Noire, with over 13,000 hens producing hatching eggs. Chicks are distributed across both Congos, connecting urban and rural production.
The company also runs its own feed mill in Kinshasa, ensuring consistent supply and quality for its farms and for smallholder customers. The initiative was founded by a Dutch entrepreneur active in the poultry industry and a former employee of Hendrix Genetics and is supported by a strong network of partners. Hendrix Genetics, Dutch and Congolese stakeholders, and international collaborators in feed, health, maize seed, and training are all part of the effort.
The Dutch Embassy and Netherlands Enterprise Agency have played a key role in bringing these partners together. Congo Poultry is investing in knowledge and infrastructure. A soil analysis lab was launched with a local university to improve maize yields, and a national poultry training center is being developed to train hundreds of farmers each year. The company is also implementing ERP systems and benchmarking tools to support transparency and performance tracking.
Production is scaling up. A new hatchery in Kinshasa will produce 5.5 million chicks annually, with plans to double that capacity. The government is preparing a second hatchery and parent stock farm to serve Kinshasa’s 18 million residents.
The company also plans to fly chicks to provincial capitals, making quality genetics accessible across the country. By 2028, Congo Poultry aims to produce 11 million chicks per year, generate 70,000 tons of maize, and support over 40,000 poultry farmers.
These numbers reflect more than growth, they represent a shift in confidence, a belief in local capacity, and a commitment to building something lasting. Congo Poultry is not just building farms, it is building futures. It is helping poultry farmers take control of their production, create income, and feed their communities. It is showing that with the right partnerships, knowledge and persistence, progress is not only possible, it is already underway.
