About this project
Congo Builder Sarl ‑ based in North Kivu, DRC ‑ is launching Brikoloo, an innovative building block manufactured from recycled textile waste. By turning discarded garments into affordable, durable bricks, Brikoloo cuts both construction costs and pollution. Produced locally in Goma, these blocks support eco-friendly housing and interior design, help communities save on building supplies, and create jobs in textile collection, processing, and brick manufacture. The model encourages waste reduction, social inclusion, and regional resilience, empowering local women and youth. The project aims to prove Brikoloo’s viability at scale—with the goal of introducing it across other DRC provinces and eventually the wider Great Lakes region. Partnering with local NGOs, government, and construction firms, Congo Builder Sarl positions Brikoloo as a key actor in Africa’s ecological transition—building healthier, more sustainable communities.
Goals and Objectives
Goal: Establish Brikoloo as a leading eco‑building material provider by 2027, reducing textile waste and lowering construction costs by 30%.
Objectives:
1/ Collect and recycle 50 tons of textile waste in the first year.
2/ Produce 20,000 Brikoloo blocks.
3/ Facilitate the construction of at least 50 eco‑homes or community spaces in North Kivu.
4/ Train 100 local workers (50% women) in sustainable brick production.
Beneficiaries:
1. Low‑income families in Goma benefiting from affordable/pollution‑free housing.
2. Local youth and women gaining technical and entrepreneurial training.
Sustainability & Scale:
A. Revenue from block sales ensures financial self‑sufficiency.
B. Profits re‑invested in equipment and training.
C. The model is replicable in other regions, with modular production units and training modules that NGOs and municipalities can adopt.
Expected result
The expected results of the Brikoloo pilot project are clearly defined and aligned with the SMART criteria. Over a 12-month period, the project aims to collect at least 50 tons of textile waste, which will be transformed into approximately 20,000 eco-friendly building bricks. These bricks will be used in the construction of 50 affordable and sustainable housing units by the 18th month of the project.
In addition, the project will train 100 local workers, with a strong emphasis on gender inclusion by ensuring that at least 50% of the trainees are women. The environmental benefit is equally significant, as the project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of 200 tons of CO₂ through waste diversion and sustainable construction practices.
These results are specific, focusing on measurable targets related to waste recycling, brick production, training, and emissions reduction. They are measurable, with all key indicators tracked through internal records, production logs, and third-party site audits. The targets are achievable, based on preliminary pilot data and the commitment of local partners who will support each stage of implementation. They are also relevant, directly contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 8 (Decent Work), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Finally, the results are time-bound, with clear deadlines set at 12 and 18 months to ensure accountability and progress monitoring.
Monitoring and evaluation will be conducted through bi-monthly progress reports, regular site visits, and activity logs maintained by project team leads. In addition, quarterly stakeholder meetings will be organized to assess progress, address challenges, and ensure transparency throughout the implementation process.
Partners
About me / organisation
Innocent MWENDO - Congo Builder Sarl
Innocent Mwendo is a young Congolese social entrepreneur and the founder of Congo Builder Sarl, a startup based in Goma focused on eco-innovation and sustainable construction. Holding a bachelor's degree in Economic and Management Sciences, Innocent has been trained in entrepreneurship, land restoration, and circular economy through prestigious programs such as the Land Accelerator, YALI, and the GreenTech Program. Passionate about climate action and social inclusion, he combines business innovation with environmental responsibility. With hands-on experience leading community-centered projects, Innocent now leads the development of Brikoloo, an initiative that transforms textile waste into durable, low-cost building bricks to fight pollution and promote green construction in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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