A movement in action...
Brief History
Congo Peace Academy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities through education and capacity building, with a focus on peace, leadership, and entrepreneurship for sustainable development. Based on Idjwi Island, with active programs in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, we have been creating lasting change since 2018.
Our initiatives prioritize youth empowerment, community peace, social cohesion, and gender equality. By embracing an inclusive, community-driven approach to peacebuilding, we design programs that reflect the unique historical and cultural context of our society. Our goal is to reduce ethnic violence, prevent conflicts, and foster harmony at the family, school, and community levels. Through transformative education and entrepreneurial opportunities, we are laying the foundation for a future built on resilience, sustainable development, and enduring peace in the region.
At Congo Peace Academy, we are not just imagining a better future—we are actively building it.
Peace Through Entrepreneurship - DRC
In 2017, during lunchtime discussions at the University of Rochester, Bienfait Mugenza (DRC) and Philemon Rono (Kenya) reflected on the challenges facing young people in our home countries. We saw that youth in both Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo were suffering due to the impact of ethnopolitical manipulation. Politicians exploited tribal divisions, eroding social cohesion, and causing economic devastation. This environment led to rising unemployment, leaving young people aged eighteen to twenty-eight struggling with severe socio-economic instability and no viable path forward.
Many of these young people, faced with limited options, turned to rebel groups or engaged in illegal activities for survival. In doing so, they became entangled in cycles of violence and crime, devastating their communities and claiming countless lives. Politicians and rebel groups exploited their vulnerability, using them as pawns to perpetuate conflict, knowing that the vast majority of unemployed youth were easy targets for manipulation in exchange for money.
In these discussions, the vision for Peace Through Entrepreneurship was born. We recognized that, in order to break the cycle of poverty and violence, young people needed more than just survival strategies. They needed opportunities—specifically, entrepreneurial opportunities that could empower them to create their own paths, build economic stability, and become forces of peace in their communities.
We believed that by equipping youth with the skills to start and manage businesses, we could foster economic independence and social cohesion, helping to break down the barriers that divide them. With this vision in mind, we began our journey. In 2018, we launched our first peace project, and by 2021, we formalized our work by registering the initiative as a peace center dedicated to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and conflict resolution.
Since then, the center has made a measurable impact through workshops, training programs, and youth empowerment initiatives. In 2023 alone, we hosted or co-sponsored 40 workshops, reaching hundreds of participants. The impact continues to grow, with more young people gaining the tools to thrive and contribute to their communities.
At the core of our mission is the belief that entrepreneurship, as a tool for empowerment, is key to creating lasting peace. We envision a future where young people are not defined by the divisions that have historically separated them but are instead empowered to create their own futures, foster economic opportunities, and lead their communities toward sustainable peace.
Through our programs, we give young people the resources, skills, and mindset needed to become agents of positive change—leaders who not only seek economic success but also promote unity and peace within their communities. What began as simple conversations has grown into a powerful movement that is transforming conflict-ridden societies into thriving, united communities.
Peace Through Entrepreneurship is not just a vision—it is a movement in action, working to rebuild what was broken and offer new hope to those who need it most.
For there to be peace, we focus on root causes...
We identify and address the root causes of violent conflict within communities, working tirelessly to prevent its recurrence. This mission is made possible through collaborative efforts with local populations affected by crises, as well as engagement with political actors and civil society organizations to foster sustainable peace and resilience.
Our approach is holistic and inclusive
Our approach is holistic and inclusive, emphasizing the critical role of women in leadership and their contributions to peace and sustainable development. To achieve this, we strive to unlearn and dismantle harmful narratives and stereotypes about gender roles that perpetuate discrimination, inequality, and injustice. Education is at the heart of this effort—raising awareness about gender equality, the systems that sustain inequalities, and the realities of war. Through this, we aim to empower communities to challenge these structures and create a more just and equitable society.
Our Impact
At Congo Peace Academy, we are proud of the significant impact we’ve made in empowering youth and fostering peace across communities.
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Over 15,000 youth and adolescents have actively engaged with our programs, gaining vital skills that shape their futures.
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We have co-led more than 250 workshops, many of them driven by the youth themselves, empowering them to lead and share their knowledge with others.
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Through our "Become Your Own Boss" entrepreneurship and leadership training, co-sponsored by EDC and USAID as part of the ADIJ project, over 100 participants have gained the skills to transform their lives and communities.
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Our Peace Summit has brought together over 500 young leaders, sparking discussions and inspiring action towards a peaceful future.
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We’ve also celebrated the achievements of more than 40 Peace Through Entrepreneurship laureates who are now leading change in their communities.
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In schools, over 200 peacemakers and student representatives promote peace and nonviolence, using the skills they’ve gained to challenge divisions and inspire unity.
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Additionally, 100+ youth have been trained to lead Conflict Resolution workshops, equipping them with the tools to mediate and prevent future conflicts.
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Over 350 families trained in conservation agriculture, using no-till farming techniques to enhance livelihoods, prevent erosion, and ensure long-term food security.
Partners and sponsors
Congo Peace Academy is privileged to collaborate with outstanding partners who share our vision of fostering peace, development, and empowerment in the region. Each of these partners brings a unique strength to our work, creating a synergy that drives our success. Through these partnerships, we are not just addressing the symptoms of conflict but tackling its root causes through education, entrepreneurship, community empowerment, and sustainable development. We deeply thank Acting Globally, B2R Farm, Projects for Peace, and Peace by Peace for their unwavering commitment to our shared vision. Their partnership inspires hope, resilience, and transformation in the communities we serve.
Acting Globally
This partnership brings an invaluable international perspective to our programs. Acting Globally supports our college preparation and peacebuilding efforts by connecting us with global networks of volunteers , resources, and expertise. Their advocacy for sustainable solutions aligns perfectly with our mission of creating long-term change.
B2R Farm
As a key partner in our agricultural initiatives, B2R Farm plays a critical role in promoting conservation agriculture and sustainable farming practices. Their support helps communities achieve food security, develop livelihoods, and reduce poverty, all of which are integral to fostering peace and stability.
Projects for Peace
Projects for Peace invests in our most ambitious and transformative programs, focusing on youth empowerment and education. Their funding and mentorship enable us to conduct workshops and support innovative projects that prepare the next generation of leaders to champion peace and progress.
Get in touch!
Contact: congopeaceacademy@gmail.com to get more information
