WHO WE ARE
We help companies operating in key emerging market sectors to become sustainable and lay the foundations for growth.
Founded in 2014 by Patrick Byamungu and Mike Beeston, La Différence was the first social enterprise accelerator in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, addressing the lack of guidance and financial support for social startups. In 2015, it became the cooperative Ensemble pour la Différence Scoops, and then in 2017, the charity Ensemble UK in the United Kingdom. In 2021, La Différence Asbl was established in the DRC to further support local entrepreneurs. Today, we employ seven people in the DRC and have a network of volunteers in the UK. Although legally separate entities, the cooperative and the non-profit organization share the common brand "La Différence".
To actively contribute to the building of a community of model social enterprises, forming the basis of a progressive economy in Eastern DRC.
Combining business advice and financial opportunities with design and technological innovation to help social entrepreneurs develop sustainable businesses that provide effective products and services, meeting community needs.
Since 2015, La Différence has been supporting social enterprises in Kivu, creating sustainable income and transforming key sectors such as the Internet, solar energy and agriculture, to make Congolese entrepreneurs the drivers of progress.
Co-founder & Director
Entrepreneur, journalist, and video producer by training, Patrick co-founded La Différence in 2014 with Mike Beeston. Patrick leads operations to develop and scale social enterprises in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He is a member of the Internet Society (ISOC) and represents La Différence at the annual Community Networks summits in Africa. He holds a degree in entrepreneurship and project management.
Program Director
Chako Armant is the Programs Manager at Différence, overseeing all projects executed and planned within the organization. She is also the head of the research department for "Human-Centered Design." This research model helps partners ensure that their enterprises place human needs and interests at the core of everything they do. Chako is a journalist and leads our communication activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo through radio and social media.
Investment Director
Dodd studied commercial and financial sciences and worked for financial institutions and non-governmental organizations for five years. In early 2021, he joined the team at La Différence Scoops, a business accelerator operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as Investment Director to coordinate the acceleration program and investment projects. Dodd has skills in financial management, team management, project management, and logistics management.
Finance Director*
James holds a Master's degree in Fraud and Risk Management Science, which complements his studies in Financial Management. He is a certified member of the National Order of Chartered Accountants of the DRC. Since 2022, he has been at the head of financial management at La Différence. In addition to his expertise, which enables La Différence to align its management with required standards and regulations, as well as to strengthen the capacities of internal teams, James is also responsible for providing financial management training to all entrepreneurs supported through the various acceleration programs at La Différence.
Accountant and Finance
Papy is the head of financial management at our Bukavu office. A graduate in accounting, Papy previously worked for Mecrebu, a local cooperative in Bukavu. He had previously worked at the Bukavu Savings and Credit Union (MECREBU), where he held the following positions: Accountant, Operations Manager, and Branch Manager.
Business Consultant
As a member of our advisory team, Bertin helps partners strengthen their business foundations and develop innovative solutions through sales and marketing. A graduate in commercial and administrative sciences, Bertin also has training in video journalism. Before joining La Différence, he worked in the marketing research department at TNS.
Human Resources Officer
She coordinates processes related to personnel management. She also provides cross-cutting support to administration, ensuring clarity and rigor in official communications. Holding a Master's degree in Human Resources Management and Information Technology, KEYA puts her expertise at the service of a fair, efficient, and humane organization. She adapts digital tools to field needs and helps strengthen transparency and harmony in professional relationships.
Technologist (ICT Officer / Network and System Administrator)
Willy has been the technologist at LA DIFFÉRENCE Asbl since early 2021. He serves as ICT Officer / Network and System Administrator, specifically for local and wide area networks, within the Pamoja Net project. Willy previously worked as IT Manager and then as IT Maintenance and Control Officer at MECRECO / South Kivu. He also spent several years as IT Network and Corporate Data specialist at VODACOM Congo Sprl. Willy holds a degree in Computer Science Engineering.