The Sucrière du Kivu (SUKI), a sugar company based in Kiliba in South Kivu’s Uvira territory, is asking for new financial support from the Congolese government despite receiving $5.9 million in public funds earlier this year. The funding included a $3 million loan and a $2.9 million grant. The information was disclosed by Minister of State Portfolio, Jean Lucien Bussa, during the Council of Ministers meeting held on July 4, 2025.

According to the meeting report, SUKI is seeking urgent government backing to secure essential funding for the 2024–2025 agricultural campaign. The goal is to prevent the loss of 1,400 hectares of mature sugarcane and ensure uninterrupted factory operations.

The harvest season, scheduled between July and September 2025, is seen as critical. To avoid any disruption, the minister also called for reinforced security measures for staff, equipment, and facilities. He further proposed appointing an interim management team to fill the gap left by the withdrawal of Super Group of Companies, SUKI’s private shareholder.

The Council of Ministers also tasked the Superior Council of State Portfolio (CSP) and the government auditor with carrying out a full audit of SUKI. This assessment will review current assets, financial commitments, and the private shareholder’s actual contribution. The audit is intended to lay the groundwork for a balanced capital restructuring, which could allow the state to gradually withdraw in favor of new strategic investors.

The report noted that the proposal was approved, although no timeline has been set for the planned actions.

SUKI was revived by the Congolese government after more than two decades of inactivity. According to the Ministry of Industry, the $5.9 million allocated in 2024 helped create 1,400 direct jobs—toward a target of 3,000—and expand sugarcane plantations to 700 hectares.