Butembo Market Update

In January 2016, through the efforts of James Kataliko, we started a water filter reselling business in the main Butembo market. Unfortunately, the physical security situation in the area badly deteriorated shortly thereafter and the business struggled. James did a masterful job of managing the difficult situation by liquidating the inventory and pivoting to a new venture without loss of the original capital.

Since July 2018, the venture has been reselling consumer household products. Sales have been increasing each month to reach over $2,500 in the month of October. There has been a net profit each month after paying wages to two people.

Market supplies Market vendor 1 Market vendor 2

The business has been able to grow it’s base capital each month from the profits, now operating on Avenue Ngulo in the main Marché Central. Since this business was essentially funded with foreign capital, I am sensitive to the issue of unfairly disrupting the local marketplace. We have always had the policy that a portion of profits needs to be re-invested as required but that a portion be distributed for charitable purposes. To fulfill the goal of being charitable, James has identified a local orphan for the business to support. 10% of profits are going to Dieula who is now in kindergarten. This amount currently covers her school fees which Dieula’s caretakers are receiving monthly. Her name is derived from Dieu Est là which translates to God is there. James is expecting that we should be able to identify and support another orphan very soon.