The Congolese government announced on June 2, 2025, plans to release $12 million under the second phase of funding for the revival of Société Textile de Kisangani (Sotexki), the country’s flagship textile company. Minister of Industry and SMEs Louis Watum Kabamba revealed this at a joint press briefing with Minister of Communication Patrick Muyaya.

According to Watum, the financial support will be split into two $6 million tranches, provided by the Industry Promotion Fund and the Public Treasury. This funding is part of a broader $50 million investment plan aimed at revitalizing the national industrial ecosystem.

Founded in 1974 and based in Kisangani, Sotexki mainly produces made-in-cotton fabric, including printed loincloths. The company is 40% state-owned and 60% held by Texico SA.

Once a vibrant enterprise, Sotexki has faced financial struggles due to outdated equipment, insufficient investment, and foreign competition. A recovery plan, initiated by former minister Julien Paluku and adopted in 2022, secured an initial $17.5 million to modernize the plant, improve raw material supply, and curb imports. The goal is to reach an annual production of 10.8 to 12 million meters of fabric.

At a December 27, 2024, Council of Ministers meeting, Minister Watum reported that 68% of the first tranche was allocated to investments and 32% to operating costs. A verification mission in October 2024 confirmed proper fund usage.

The minister estimates the revival will preserve 400 to 500 direct jobs and positively impact the cotton industry, which supports around 55,000 producers in northeastern provinces such as Bas-Uele and Ituri.

This article was initially published in French by Ronsard Luabeya (intern)

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho