In Eastern Congo’s Masisi District, where communities have faced years of displacement and disruption, something powerful is taking shape: community enterprise and collective resilience.

Through the CODEL UMOJA WETU cooperative initiative and Not For Sale in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, hundreds of local farmers are learning, growing, and rebuilding. This is community enterprise in action.

With modern training in sustainable agriculture, essential farming tools, and financial literacy support, members of these cooperatives are cultivating more than food. They’re restoring food security, creating economic independence, and reweaving the social fabric of post-conflict regions.

< Mark: There are photos in the Uganda / Congo Google folder of the communities in the Congo. Can add them here. >

This isn’t just a program. It’s a movement. One that’s mirrored across the border in Uganda, where Not For Sale continues to empower co-ops and social enterprises rooted in community and dignity.

What is a cooperative?

At its core, a cooperative is a business owned and run by the people it serves. That means decisions are made democratically, profits are shared fairly, and everyone involved has a stake in the success of the enterprise. They work particularly well where commerce is starting to take root and grow, but in places such as the Congo and Uganda, this model is critical, enabling communities to control their own recovery and reinvest in their futures.

Why community enterprise matters

In vulnerable communities, co-ops do more than generate income. They build agency and they protect against exploitation. They also give people the tools to create the future they want for their families on their terms.

This approach is rooted in Not For Sale’s belief that systemic change comes not from outside rescue, but from inside opportunity. By equipping communities with knowledge, tools, and autonomy, we reduce risk and unlock potential.

Your role in the story of community enterprise

You don’t have to live in Uganda or the DRC to make a difference. Whether you’re an individual, a brand, or a foundation, you can support solutions that last.

Your donation doesn’t disappear, it multiplies through communities that know what they need and how to grow it.

Help us seed the next wave of cooperatives. Back the next training opportunities. Empower the new generation of changemakers.

Donate today to support people, planet, and enterprise in action.