Tokyo, Japan - March 5, 2026
Yokogawa Electric Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Congo Children Trust (CCT) and Kumi Foundation to support education and child protection initiatives in mining regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This initiative is in keeping with the company's commitment to responsible business practices and investment into local communities.
Since 2009, Congo Children Trust, which is a UK based charity, has supported thousands of children through its Kimbilio program by providing safe spaces, family reunification support, primary education, and vocational training. Kumi Foundation works with grassroots organizations and international partners to promote ethical, community-based development in countries and regions affected by supply chain vulnerability.
At the signing ceremony, from left: Mr. Takeshi Hasegawa, head of the Africa Business Promotion Center, Energy & Sustainability Business Headquarters, Yokogawa Electric Corporation;
Ms. Bahati Muhiya Nono-Carine, National Coordinator of the Kimbilio project, CCT;
H.E. Mr. Hidetoshi Ogawa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Ms. Karen Britton, Managing Director and Founder of Kumi Foundation; Ms. Rachel Pungu Luamba, Managing Director of the National Investment Promotion Agency (ANAPI)
(Photo courtesy of the National Investment Promotion Agency)
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The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration to support CCT's Kimbilio project, which provides care, education, and protection for vulnerable and street-connected children in the mining regions of Lubumbashi and Kolwezi. Under the agreement, Yokogawa will initially donate educational equipment to enhance digital learning at Kimbilio's schools and training centers. The aim of the initiative is to improve access to education, thereby supporting the local community which plays an integral role in sustaining global supply chains. By investing in projects such as this, the community can share in the prosperity they are helping to create. Additionally, the three parties will explore further opportunities to improve access to education and strengthen child protection initiatives in the DRC copper belt.
Karen Britton, Kumi Foundation Managing Director, noted: “Kumi Foundation works to ensure that communities in the DRC – who sit at the heart of global supply chains – see real, tangible benefits from the value they help create. By connecting high‑impact local organizations with responsible businesses and investors, we are helping translate responsible sourcing commitments into meaningful outcomes on the ground. We are proud to support Yokogawa's commitment to responsible business in the region.”
The MoU was signed during the Japan–DRC Business Forum held at the Embassy of Japan in Kinshasa on March 2 in the presence of H.E. Mr. Ogawa Hidetoshi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the DRC, and Ms. Rachel Pungu Luamba, Managing Director of the National Investment Promotion Agency (ANAPI).
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