The initiative supports the growth of a new generation of entrepreneurs, contributing to the country’s socio-economic development through innovation.
Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo), May 6, 2026 – Building on the success of its inaugural edition, Joule, Eni’s school of entrepreneurship, has launched in Brazzaville the second edition of Yasika, an incubation and entrepreneurial development program designed to support 35 Congolese entrepreneurs.
Implemented in collaboration with Cariplo Factory, an international innovation hub, and Seedstars, a global organization supporting technology-driven entrepreneurship, and with the involvement of NGOs AVSI and BeEntrepreneurs, Yasika aims to accelerate the development of innovative solutions in the areas of energy transition, decarbonization, and the sustainable economy. The initiative contributes to strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and promoting long-term, inclusive growth.
The second edition builds on the strong results achieved in the first cycle and reflects a growing engagement from the national startup ecosystem. More than 160 applications were received - up from 130 in the previous edition - leveraging outreach activities carried out in 2025 in Pointe‑Noire and Brazzaville. Over 85% of applicants were young people aged 18 to 35, with project ideas focused primarily on agritech, the circular economy, and digital solutions, highlighting increasing interest in sustainable business models.
Yasika has also activated a broad network of stakeholders, with more than 70 organizations mapped and over 30 partners involved in supporting and promoting the program. The initiative is part of a broader framework of cooperation with the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises of the Republic of the Congo, launched in 2025 to structurally strengthen the national entrepreneurial ecosystem and foster sustainable growth and innovation.
The program will support 35 participants through two complementary tracks: an incubation path for 13 startups and an upskilling pathway for 22 participants. Activities kicked off with a three‑day introductory bootcamp held from May 4 to 6, aimed at refining business ideas and strengthening core entrepreneurial skills. The program will then continue in a hybrid format, combining in‑person and online sessions to ensure flexibility and continuity, and will include co‑innovation initiatives with local partners to develop concrete solutions aligned with local needs.
Through Yasika, Joule and Eni reaffirm their commitment to nurturing local entrepreneurial talent and promoting innovation as a key driver of sustainable development, while supporting the Republic of the Congo in addressing its energy, environmental, and economic challenges.
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