COPAK, subsidiary of Envirium Life Sciences in the Democratic Republic of Congo, officially handed over the Mwenda–Loselose road to the local authorities of the Ruwenzori sector in Beni.

This strategic road connects two major agricultural hubs. The rehabilitation was jointly financed by COPAK and the PURATOS Foundation as part of the Cacao-Trace programme, which aims to sustainably improve the livelihood of local communities through the annual Chocolate Bonus premium granted to partnering cocoa farmers.

Each year, COPAK and Puratos partnering farmers receive a personal bonus linked to their production. In addition, a collective bonus is granted to the cooperatives representing them, enabling the implementation of projects that benefit communities, farmers, and their families.

A total of 4,251 farming families, members of the cooperatives Le Jardin and COO.PRO.A.RU (Ruwenzori Agricultural Producers’ Cooperative), will benefit from this rehabilitated road.

Kasereka Mapathi Japhet, Chief of the Ruwenzori Sector, praised the initiative led by COPAK and its partners: “Mwenda and Loselose are among the main agricultural production areas in Beni territory. This connection between Mwenda and Loselose is crucial to opening up the region and facilitating the transport of agricultural products,” he emphasized.

For cocoa farmers, this road marks a major milestone in reducing rural isolation in an instable and unsafe region. It also enables smallholders —including those from remote areas— to reach more quickly COPAK’s fermentation centers within the four hours available after harvest to initiate proper fermentation and ensure high-quality cocoa. Smallholders from more remote areas will now be able to join the project.

“This road saves us significant time. What once took a four-hour walk now takes just 90 minutes, and bikes and cars can access the route,” describes the farmer Thembo Mukirania. “We harvest the cocoa immediately before transporting it to COPAK’s fermentation centers in Mwenda and Loselose, operated by our partner cooperatives. This approach greatly limits the risk of theft.” “This road,” adds the smallholder Marthe Ramazani, “helps reduce post-harvest losses, boosts the local economy, and improves living standards by facilitating the transport of agricultural products.”

This is the third initiative supported by the Chocolate Bonus programme. In 2023, the first bonus financed the construction of the Teluji Technical Institute, providing many students with access to improved educational opportunities.“We are grateful to our client and partner Puratos for joining us in this sustainable transformation of the region,” says Dimitri Moreels, Founder of COPAK and co-CEO of Envirium Life Sciences. It is essential that cocoa sales benefit everyone and improve the daily lives, working conditions, and livelihoods of farming communities“. The 2025 bonus will be dedicated to funding an operating room at the Mwenda Health Centre, with construction expected to begin shortly.