**Export of “Petit kwilu” robusta coffee from the DRC to Dubai: A giant step for the Congolese economy**
The National Office of Agricultural Products of Congo (ONAPAC) recently announced the launch of the first exports of “Petit kwilu” robusta coffee to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This new stage marks a strategic turning point for the Congolese economy, highlighting the unique potential of coffee culture in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Petit kwilu” coffee is a variety of small-grain robusta, specifically grown in the Mayombe forest, in the Kongo-Central province. With its distinct characteristics and its exceptional terroir, this coffee represents a real calling card for the DRC on the international scene.
The Director General of ONAPAC, Mimie Numbi, stressed the importance of protecting and promoting this crop, which offers unique opportunities in global agricultural product markets. By launching exports to Dubai, ONAPAC opens new perspectives for Congolese coffee producers, offering them privileged access to prestigious commercial outlets.
But this success cannot be achieved without vigilance. In order to preserve the integrity of the coffee sector and fight against fraudulent practices, ONAPAC has set up an anti-fraud brigade, responsible for monitoring production areas and ensuring the quality of exported products. This initiative is part of a larger project to promote the cultivation of robusta coffee in Mayombe, funded by the European Union and aimed at expanding the cultivated area to more than 1,000 hectares, thus covering more than 50 villages in the Lukula region.
Beyond economic issues, this approach underlines the importance of promoting local know-how and protecting the country’s natural resources. By exporting “Petit kwilu” coffee to prestigious destinations like Dubai, the DRC is asserting its place on the international scene and highlighting its agricultural potential.
In conclusion, the export of “Petit kwilu” robusta coffee from the DRC to Dubai represents a real giant step for the Congolese economy. This success story demonstrates the dynamism of the coffee sector and the desire of local stakeholders to promote their agricultural heritage. Let us hope that this great adventure will open new perspectives for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in the DRC.