Agritech, Climate Tech, Energy and Green Economy: these are the key sectors of the second edition of the Yasika programme, run by Joule in the Republic of the Congo for startups and young entrepreneurs.
Last 31 October, in Brazzaville, a significant partnership was established between Eni Congo and the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Crafts to bolster the economic development of the country, supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, with a particular emphasis on the sectors of agriculture and entrepreneurial innovation.
The partnership strengthens and broadens the existing work of the two parties, as demonstrated by the success of the inaugural Yasika programme, which in 2025 engaged over ten startups and roughly twenty-five young entrepreneurs from the Republic of the Congo and surrounding nations. It supported them through a programme of specialised training, mentoring and development, promoting the establishment of innovative businesses in the green economy, sustainable agriculture and green technologies.
Participants in Yasika stood out for the originality and impact of the solutions proposed. Of these, four startups have signed contracts with Eni and developed pilot projects in the areas of plastic waste recycling, geospatial intelligence for the management of agricultural soils, digital platforms for accessing agricultural machinery, and the production of sensors for more energy-efficient stoves.
Andrea Barberi, Managing Director of Eni Congo, says: “Yasika offers a unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into reality. The new agreement will further strengthen the initiatives that have been implemented, making a tangible contribution to the economic, sustainable and inclusive development of the Republic of Congo.”
The renewed partnership extends this vision along two strategic axes. The first pertains to the reinforcement of the agricultural supply chain by actively involving local SMEs through training initiatives, by facilitating access to finance, and by providing technical support. The second focuses on the geographical expansion of the Yasika programme, which will be extended to rural and less urbanised regions of the country, with the goal of engaging new entrepreneurial talents.
In view of these goals, the new 2026 edition of the programme targeted at startups and young entrepreneurs is now officially open. Applications will be accepted up to 15 January 2026.
