00:05At Empire Technologies in Goma, metal is transformed into nails of different sizes.
00:13Founded in 2022 by young graduates, the company is betting on local skills to meet local demand.
00:21Its products also include agricultural machinery and milling equipment.
00:28We took the initiative to manufacture nails here locally because we observed that most of the products we consume come
00:36from abroad.
00:37We felt it was time to change that, especially since we have the necessary skills and access to the raw
00:43materials required to manufacture nails on site.
00:46We also wanted to provide a solution to the issue of pricing.
00:49Important products incur transport costs and customs duties, which makes them more expensive.
00:59For businesses in Goma, local production offers a potential alternative, although demand and sales remain unpredictable.
01:08Empire Technologies says its products are reaching customers beyond Goma, including in neighboring Burundi.
01:18In terms of sales, it all depends on the time period.
01:23There are moments when demand is so high that we can sell up to five tons per production run.
01:30However, we don't reach that volume every day.
01:33It varies according to demand.
01:36Regarding production capacity, we can manufacture up to two tons per day for each category of nail.
01:44We produce several sizes, specifically six-, eight-, and ten-gauge nails.
01:53For buyers, buying locally means faster deliveries, easier access to supplies, and fewer costs.
02:03There are several reasons why we choose to buy locally manufactured products.
02:08First, delivery times are shorter.
02:10When we purchase here in Goma, we can easily have the goods delivered directly to our shop.
02:15Then there is quality, which meets international standards.
02:19Finally, prices are relatively stable.
02:22They aren't subject to the custom duties or transport costs associated with imports,
02:27since the products are available right here in Goma.
02:32Empire Technologies also recycles some materials as it develops products for the local market.
02:40In a region affected by prolonged insecurity and economic disruption,
02:46sustaining production and expanding access to markets remain challenging.
02:51For these young engineers, the ambition is to show that local expertise can help build more than machinery.
03:00It can also create jobs, support businesses, and strengthen Goma's industrial future.
