A cooperative born from solidarity on the shores of Lake Kivu — over 1,999 members united since 2003.
SOPACDI was born in 2003 in Tsheya, on the Buzi-Bulenga peninsula, in the Kalehe territory of South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Founded by 276 small producers — including 3 women — at the initiative of Joachim Munganga Mahemu, a coffee farmer himself, its name Solidarité Paysanne pour la Promotion des Actions Café et Développement Intégral sums up its purpose: bringing together producers of all ethnic backgrounds across Kivu around a shared goal.
Before the cooperative, producers crossed Lake Kivu by canoe at night to smuggle their coffee into Rwanda — a dangerous trade that cost many lives to drowning. SOPACDI helped secure a legal, profitable local market, putting an end to this practice.
With initial support from the Rwandan cooperative COOPAC, then from Twin Trading (UK) starting in 2008, SOPACDI obtained its first Fairtrade certification in 2011 — becoming the very first Fairtrade-certified cooperative in the DRC — followed by organic certification in 2012.
Our coffee is the only one to have reached the highest recognised quality at the national level — Kivu 2 — since 1967 (Source: ONC Goma), proof of a terroir excellence that long predates our international certifications.
"We hope to soon be able to afford the most essential needs of our families: food, housing, education and health."
— Joachim Munganga, President of SOPACDI
Creation of SOPACDI in Tsheya, Minova, Kalehe, South Kivu, by 276 producers including 3 women.
First container of coffee exported to UK partner Twin Trading.
SOPACDI becomes the very first Fairtrade-certified cooperative in the DRC.
Organic certification obtained, followed by Utz (2015) and SPP (2016).
First Congolese cooperative honoured by the Specialty Coffee Association of America.
Award for best member organisation of the year from the Small Producers' Symbol network.
Every bean must express the best of the Lake Kivu terroir. Our 4 main stations, 5 mini-stations and cupping laboratory guarantee consistent quality, lot after lot.
SOPACDI stands for Solidarité Paysanne. We bring together producers of all ethnic backgrounds across Kivu around a shared goal: peace and prosperity through coffee.
35 qualified agronomists train our members free of charge: composting, biofertilisers, erosion control, agroforestry. Coffee and shade-tree seedlings are distributed every year.
Guaranteed Fairtrade minimum price, second payment at season-end, total transparency on costs. Every member knows exactly what they receive and why.
Nearly a third of our 1,999 members are women, with at least 30% representation guaranteed on the Board of Directors and a dedicated Women's Coffee premium.
SOPACDI supports the integration of the region's Pygmy population: classrooms built, scholarships awarded, and farming equipment distributed.
Founder of SOPACDI and a coffee farmer himself, he has driven the cooperative's strategic vision since its creation in 2003.
+243 994 742 998 · joachimmunganga@yahoo.fr
Oversees the cooperative's day-to-day operations and the relationship with international buying partners.
+243 99 30 75 267 · joelfazila.sopacdi@gmail.com
Ensures the smooth running of production, coffee processing and export logistics via Goma and Mombasa.
+243 997 675 176 · aimebyamung@gmail.com
Ensures compliance with certification standards (Fairtrade, Organic, Utz, SPP) among producers and washing stations.
+243 993 842 020 · clementbalezi@gmail.com
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