Eastern Congo Initiative

The Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI) stands as the first U.S.-based organization dedicated exclusively to advocacy and grant-making for the people of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Founded in 2010 by actor Ben Affleck and philanthropist Whitney Williams, the group emerged from Affleck's firsthand observations of the region's devastation following decades of conflict. He realized that traditional aid models often failed to address root causes or empower local voices. This realization sparked a mission to shift the humanitarian paradigm from external intervention to locally led solutions.

Operating through three core pillars, grant-making, advocacy, and programming, the organization supports over 73 local Congolese community-based organizations. These partners tackle critical issues ranging from child soldier rehabilitation and healthcare access to women's empowerment and economic development. The advocacy arm amplifies Congolese perspectives directly to U.S. and international policymakers. Affleck has testified before Congress five times to secure diplomatic and financial support for the region, ensuring that the voices of those living there drive the conversation.

A significant component of their work involves Asili, a social business enterprise acquired in 2019 and fully merged into ECI in August 2020. Asili delivers clean water and healthcare services directly to communities across ten service zones. By 2024, these programs were delivering over 100 million liters of clean water. The organization maintains a continuous presence in Bukavu, DRC, with its headquarters in Washington, D.C., serving more than 52,000 direct beneficiaries and indirectly impacting over 3 million people. [edit]

ECI aims to elevate the voices of the Congolese people to promote peace, resilience, and economic opportunity in one of the world's most resource-rich yet conflict-affected regions. The vision is a vibrant, peaceful, and self-reliant Eastern Congo where communities, especially women and youth, drive their own social and economic transformation. Core values include a community-driven approach, transparency and accountability, inclusive partnerships, empowerment of women and youth, and sustainability. [edit]

Born from Ben Affleck's trips to eastern DRC, the Eastern Congo Initiative launched in 2010 with a clear goal: to invest directly in local communities rather than relying on distant aid structures. Early supporters included Howard Graham Buffett, Google, Laurene Powell Jobs, Pam Omidyar, and Cindy McCain. The organization began by disbursing grants to 23 community-based organizations focusing on health, education, and reintegration.

In 2019, ECI expanded its operational reach by acquiring Asili, a social business providing water and healthcare services. The merger was completed in August 2020, when Leno took over as Executive Director. This move allowed the organization to scale its impact significantly, with plans to serve half a million people across South Kivu and Uvira. Today, ECI continues to work with over 70 local partners, maintaining a presence in the DRC for 16 years.

A major boost occurred in July 2026 when Ben Affleck appeared on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? alongside contestant Jamie Ding. They won the $1 million grand prize, which was donated entirely to the Eastern Congo Initiative. This victory highlighted the organization's ability to leverage celebrity influence for fundraising and awareness, echoing a similar win by Affleck's friend Matt Damon a year prior. [edit]