Albert Sakissa: Paving a Way Forward

Albert Sakissa started a modest cement business out of his home in Pointe-Noire, Congo. With capital from HOPE Congo microloans and the accompanying business training, he expanded from cement to construction materials to delivery and after-sales service and hired three employees, all within two years.  

In true entrepreneurial spirit, Albert saw that his clients had a need for more than just cement. They needed tools and supplies for their building projects, and they wanted to be able to purchase everything in one place. To meet demand, he started stocking things like concrete irons, spikes, and metal sheets. 

With seven biological children, Albert once struggled to afford rent. As his business has grown, he was able to build a two-bedroom house with a living room for his family as well as a studio for some of his adult children. He also credits HOPE with allowing him to bring his daughter home after she completed her schooling and for providing the savings necessary to pay for her hospitalization and medical care. Albert says, “HOPE is a boon to me because its help came when I was in trouble. If I did not have savings, I would have lost my daughter.” 

Having stabilized his income, Albert has more space to focus on others. He now regularly tithes at his church, provides free cement for his community whenever there is road erosion, and leads monthly prayer meetings with his employees, following a Bible study model he learned through HOPE Congo. He has also helped empower a friend to become an entrepreneur. When his friend was out of work, Albert gave him three tons of cement from his own shop and introduced him to HOPE Congo to receive a loan. “Today he has more than five tons of cement in his store,” Albert shares. 

And Albert continues to dream. He hopes to expand his business by buying a vehicle capable of carrying twenty tons of cement and having a large hardware store to retain customers and diversify his sources of income. In the future, he aspires to invest in building construction. 

We are blessed to be a part of investing in entrepreneurs around the world who simply need a hand up to achieve their dreams. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about how you can invest in entrepreneurs like Albert, please contact Matthew Baehr at mbaehr@homes4hope.org or 717-719-0313.