Province of Equateur

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bobo boloko bolumbu

Governor Bobo Boloko Bolumbu has led Équateur Province in the DRC since 2018, focusing on sustainable development, environmental conservation, and public health. Under his leadership, the province has advanced key initiatives to protect its forests and peatlands, empower local communities, and strengthen health response systems. Re-elected in 2024, he continues to support progress aligned with President Tshisekedi’s vision for a more resilient and prosperous Congo.

project leadership

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KATHLEEN COOK

DANIEL ANAGHO

PAUL MATETA

  • Paul is easily one of the most recognizable figures in Kinshasa. A dual citizen and longtime employee of the U.S. Embassy, he also serves as an engineering professor at ISTA. Whether called “Professor” or “Papy,” his name is met with respect—proof of his commitment to creating better lives and opportunities for the Congolese.

  • Born in Cameroon, Daniel is dedicated to getting back to Africa to serve the continent while working in the DRC for the past 8 years. As our resident tennis pro with a family of six, he knows a little something about the hard work that requires. In the little free time he has, Daniel volunteers with Charlotte's Elevation Church.

  • Kathleen is an avid traveler who has traveled to DRC nearly 25 times in the past 8 years. Currently working in marketing and fundraising for Lola ya Bonobo, she has a knack for making connections across the globe and uses those hands on learning experiences to creatively match her relationships with a constant brainstorm of business opportunities.

public relations partners

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LINDSAY HAYNIE

ERIC OSTERHUS

ALLISON ECKLEY

Terrascope Public Relations is supporting this project to ensure cohesive, clear, and compelling messaging across all stakeholders—investors, partners, the community, and the public. We’re also documenting the project’s progress, helping to shape and share its evolving story to inspire engagement, build trust, and showcase long-term impact.

  • SENIOR DIRECTOR | CLEAN ENERGY

    A master wordsmith and sustainability advocate, Allison brings energy sector expertise and a talent for turning complex goals into relatable stories. Her experience spans Capitol Hill, NGOs, and leadership roles at Albemarle Corporation and the NC Sustainable Energy Association.

  • HEAD OF MARKETING

    A content architect and brand advocate, Eric is a globally minded storyteller whose pursuit of adventure travel has spanned across six continents.

    His 15+ years of marketing experience spans clients including Marriott International, Vacation Races, and the U.S. Olympic Committee.

  • HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS

    A public relations and marketing professional, Lindsay combines strategic communication with a passion for community impact. A Vanderbilt graduate, she’s represented global brands like Dunkin’ while leading grassroots campaigns for nonprofits and mission-driven businesses from Charlotte to Zambia.

technical partners

Logo with a yellow sun and multicolored rays, with the text "anser" in large white letters; below, a purple banner with French text "Pour un nouveau jour sur la RDC."
Logo of the U.S.-USTR for U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
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  • USTDA helps American companies create jobs by supporting the export of goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging markets. The agency funded the 2024 feasibility study in Mbandaka to assess the viability of a solar power grid and supporting infrastructure, laying the groundwork for implementation and investment.

  • Led by Dusan Brhlik, an accomplished engineer and entrepreneur with deep expertise in direct current (DC) microgrid systems, Direct Energy Partners leads efforts to design and deploy next-generation microgrids that expand access to clean, reliable energy. Dusan is also president of EMerge Alliance, where he champions the global shift toward efficient, resilient, and decentralized power solutions.

  • ANSER, the Congolese National Agency for Electrification and Energy Services in Rural and Peri-Urban Areas, can play a key supporting role by facilitating stakeholder coordination, promoting alignment with national electrification goals, and helping to identify potential funding sources.