Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Dubai, UAE – Sep 21 2025

Fondation Selemani Kitonda (“Foseki”) today announced a strategic partnership with FasterCapital through its EquityPilot program to accelerate its pioneering project aimed at assisting the schooling of marginalized girls in the Uvira and Fizi territories of South Kivu, DRC. This collaboration leverages FasterCapital’s global expertise and resources to scale Foseki’s impactful education initiative, addressing critical socio-educational challenges faced by vulnerable girls in the region.

Market Opportunity & Problem Statement
The Democratic Republic of Congo faces significant educational disparities, especially among marginalized girls in South Kivu’s Uvira and Fizi territories. With over 830 girls directly affected by poverty, orphanhood, and lack of access to schooling, the region exemplifies a pressing need for targeted educational support. Despite international frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, these girls remain underserved, perpetuating cycles of illiteracy and socio-economic disadvantage. The education sector in DRC is poised for growth, yet gaps in funding and infrastructure hinder inclusive access, creating a vital white space for innovative interventions like Foseki’s project.

Startup Solution & Differentiation
Fondation Selemani Kitonda’s “Project d’assistance dans la scolarisation des filles marginalisées” offers a comprehensive support system that includes school fees coverage, provision of uniforms, supplies, and ongoing monitoring to ensure sustained educational engagement for marginalized girls. By directly addressing financial and material barriers, Foseki empowers 830 girls to pursue education over a renewable three-year period. The foundation’s localized presence and deep community ties in Uvira enable effective identification and support of beneficiaries, distinguishing it from broader, less targeted initiatives. Early engagement with families and schools ensures holistic support, enhancing retention and success rates.

FasterCapital Partnership Value
Through the EquityPilot program, FasterCapital provides Fondation Selemani Kitonda with strategic mentorship, capital-raising guidance, and access to a global network of investors and partners. Known for its rigorous selection criteria and successful track record in nurturing high-potential startups, FasterCapital validates Foseki’s innovative approach and accelerates its path to scale. The partnership facilitates resource mobilization and operational optimization, enabling Foseki to expand its reach and impact within the educational sector in DRC and beyond.

Executive Quotes
Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital:
“Fondation Selemani Kitonda exemplifies the kind of mission-driven organization that aligns with FasterCapital’s vision of fostering impactful innovation in underserved markets. Their focused approach to empowering marginalized girls through education addresses a critical social challenge with scalable potential. We are proud to support Foseki through our EquityPilot program and look forward to accelerating their journey towards sustainable growth and meaningful impact.”
Selemani Kitonda, Founder of Fondation Selemani Kitonda:
“Our mission has always been to uplift marginalized girls in South Kivu by removing barriers to education. Partnering with FasterCapital amplifies our capacity to reach more beneficiaries and improve their socio-educational outcomes. This collaboration brings invaluable expertise and resources that will help us transform lives and contribute to a brighter future for the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

Growth Trajectory & Future Plans
Over the next 12 months, Fondation Selemani Kitonda aims to finalize beneficiary enrollment, scale distribution of educational materials, and implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks. The foundation plans to expand its footprint beyond Uvira and Fizi, targeting additional underserved communities in South Kivu. Capital raised through FasterCapital’s network will support operational scaling and program sustainability. Long-term, Foseki envisions becoming a leading force in girls’ education advocacy and empowerment across the DRC, contributing meaningfully to national development goals.

About Fondation Selemani Kitonda (Foseki)
Founded in Uvira, South Kivu, Fondation Selemani Kitonda is dedicated to improving the socio-educational conditions of marginalized girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through targeted assistance programs, Foseki provides financial, material, and social support to enable vulnerable girls to access and complete quality education, fostering empowerment and community development.

About FasterCapital
FasterCapital is a global technology investment company and accelerator that supports early-stage startups through its EquityPilot program. With a strong focus on innovation and market disruption, FasterCapital offers capital, mentorship, and strategic resources to high-potential ventures worldwide. The program’s selective criteria ensure collaboration with startups that demonstrate scalability, impact, and visionary leadership.