Kuramo Capital urges cross border trade between Kenya and DRC

Speaking during the Equity Investors Roadshow in Kinshasa, DRC, Kuramo Capital, Co-CEO Shaka Kariuki, said the East Africa Region is ripe with investment opportunities that can be leveraged on. 

The inclusion of DRC to the East Africa Community is of significant benefit to Kenyan investors interested in expanding their markets.

 It also opens market opportunities for Kenyan Companies to do business in DRC and leverage the low market penetration opportunities. 

Kuramo Capital invested in the largest palm oil production company in DRC, Plantations et huileries du Congo - PHC, in 2017 and acquired 76% stake in 2020. PHC has a long history having been established in 1911.

 “When we took majority control of the business, it had not been profitable for more than 20 years. With the introduction of global best practices in governance and the introduction of Congolese leadership, Kuramo was able to turn around the business in less than 4 years. Today the business is one of the most profitable companies in DRC. Our experience in DRC has been a positive one. I would encourage anybody, especially my fellow Kenyans to come and do business in DRC.” said Mr. Kariuki 

Over 50 investors participating in the Equity Investors Road Show paid a courtesy call to PHC offices in Kinshasa to explore available investment opportunities in the company which is the second largest employer to government with over 10,000 employees with direct contracts.

 Various areas of collaboration between the two countries were discussed with Mr. Kariuki retaliating the need for cross border transactions that are mutually beneficial to the two East African Community member countries.