Appointed to positions of responsibility, awarded for their work, winners of a competition, honoured for their various achievements or their career path, several Congolese men and women have made a name for themselves in the news in 2022 in Congo and abroad. Some were already known, while others emerged in 2022. We take a look at these Congolese figures and those of Congolese origin who excel in their respective fields.
The personalities on this list have been placed randomly and the ranking is not synonymous with the importance of one personality over another.
Dr Muyembe, Honorary Doctorate in Science from Harvard University
On Thursday 26 May, Dr Jean-Jacques Muyembe, Director of the DRC’s National Institute for Biomedical Research, was one of seven recipients of Harvard University’s honorary degree for 2022. Dr. Muyembe has led public health emergency responses in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including COVID-19. In addition, he was the first to discover the Ebola virus, led the development of the first effective Ebola treatment, and was the first to deploy experimental Ebola vaccines. Dr. Muyembe is also the first president of the Congolese Academy of Sciences.
Patrick Bofunda appointed Africa Director of TV5Monde
On 19 May 2022, TV5MONDE announced the appointment of Patrick Bofunda Ilingo as Director of Africa within the Distribution, Marketing and Commercialisation Department. This appointment, the channel explained, completes the organisation of the marketing department of the French-speaking channel, following the retirement of Jean-Luc Cronel and the appointment of Denise Époté as director of distribution, marketing and commercialisation in January 2022.
Patrick Bofunda Ilingo holds a degree in public administration and a master’s degree in law. He was private secretary to Christian Atoki Ileka, former DRC ambassador to France, before being appointed political and diplomatic assistant to the ambassador.
In 2021, he was appointed expert and member of the G20 development working group for the DRC Presidency.
Florent Ibenge, winner of the CAF Cup and the Sudanese Cup
On Friday 20 May at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo (Nigeria), Congolese coach Florent Ibenge won the CAF Confederation Cup with the Moroccan club “Renaissance Sportive de Berkane” (RSB). The club, coached by Florent Ibenge, was up against Orlando Pirates of South Africa. RSB won the match after a penalty shoot-out (5-4) and a one-all draw after extra time.
On Thursday 28 July 2022, still at the helm of RSB, the Congolese technician won the Throne Cup (Moroccan Cup) against Wydad Casablanca, coached at the time by the now famous Walid Redragui, current coach of the Moroccan national football team. Wydad Casablanca were aiming for the treble, having won the league and the CAF Champions League. After arriving in Morocco in June 2021, Florent Ibenge won the CAF Cup and the Throne Cup in one year. Afterwards, Ibenge left RSB to join Sudanese club Al Hilal, with whom he won the Sudanese Cup in November 2022.
Marlène Ngoyi appointed CEO of the African Export Development Fund
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) announced on 13 May 2022 the appointment of Congolese Marlène Ngoyi Mvidia as CEO of the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the development arm of Afreximbank.
Marlène Ngoyi holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business School, where she graduated at the top of her class in 2009. She is also a graduate (Magna cum laude) of Bentley University, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance.
She joined BGFIBank Group in 2013 and successively held the positions of Managing Director of BGFI Investment Banking, the investment bank of BGFBank Group; Deputy Managing Director of BGFIBank Europe and CEO of BGFI Bank DRC, a position she held for two years.
Prior to joining BGFI, Marlène Ngoyi was Investment Director at Catalyst Principal Partners, a private equity fund focused on East Africa. She was also a private equity investor at Emerging Capital Partners, a pan-African private equity firm, an associate at Reliant Equity Investors and an analyst at BNP Paribas. She started her career in investment banking at Merrill Lynch in the US, where she conducted capital raising and M&A transactions for Fortune 500 companies in the energy sector.
David Tshilumba Mutombo appointed Director General of Regideso
On Monday 10 October 2022, David Tshilumba Mutombo was appointed Director General of Regideso, the DRC’s only water treatment and distribution company. His appointment was the result of a recruitment process organised by the Congolese government in partnership with the World Bank and the committee for the steering of the reform of public enterprises in the DRC. David Tshilumba was selected as the best candidate from over 100 applications.
Prior to his appointment, David Tshilumba was the global managing director of the water sector at Hatch, a Canadian and American multinational engineering and project delivery company. At Hatch, David Tshilumba held several positions: Vice President for Canada, Global Technical Director, and Global General Manager for Water.
Prior to Hatch, David Tshilumba was Director of Operations for WorleyParsons in Western Canada where he was responsible for water and energy.
David Tshilumba has also worked at AECOM, a US engineering consultancy; as a project manager in the water sector at BHP Billiton; as a mine water leader at Biwater, a UK company; and as a process engineer and project engineer.
David Tshilumba holds an Advanced Management Program (AMP) degree from Harvard University in the USA. He also holds an MBA in Finance – Financial Engineering from York University in Toronto, Canada, in collaboration with the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
David Tshilumba also holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Calgary; a Master’s degree in Water Engineering from the University of Pretoria; a Master’s degree in Project Management from Villanova University in the USA and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lubumbashi.
David Tshilumba also holds a PMP (Project Management Professional) degree in project management. He is a professional engineer, registered in several countries and in several regions of Canada.
Aubin Mwansa, appointed CEO of Canal+ Ethiopia
In July 2022, Aubin Mwansa was appointed CEO of Canal+ Ethiopia, after serving as CEO of Canal+ Guinea from July 2017 to July 2022. Prior to joining Canal+ Group, Aubin Mwansa worked for the Orange Group in the DRC for 3 years, as Director of Regions and Regional Director. Prior to that, he worked for British American Tobacco in the DRC, where he held the positions of Regional Sales Manager and Area Sales Manager.
Aubin Mwansa is currently pursuing an executive doctorate in business administration at the Business Science Institute, Luxembourg and at the Institut d’administration des entreprises, the management school of the University Jean Moulin Lyon3, France.
He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics, specializing in financial management, from the University of Lubumbashi.
Benedict Lombe, winner of the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize
Benedict Lombe, 30, a British playwright of Congolese origin based in London, was the winner of the Susan Smith Blackburn Award on Monday 11 April 2022 at Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Benedict Lombe won the award for his first play ‘Lava’, a one-man memoir about black identity and immigration. Benedict Lombe won the award against 9 other candidates. This was the first time in the 44-year history of the Susan Smith Blackburn Award that the prize was awarded to a first-time playwright.
Born in Kinshasa, Benedict Lombe is interested in the total reappropriation of diaspora stories, without compromise, without apology, and doing so with flair, humour and heart, it is explained.
Marie-Dolorès Mabuila, winner of the European Women’s Leadership Forum Award
Marie-Dolorès Mabuila, a Belgian-Congolese policewoman, criminologist and political scientist by training, was one of eight winners selected from around the world to receive the European Women’s Leadership Award in February 2022. This award honours women who, at some point in their lives, have decided to follow their dreams, to break away from the traditional obligations that surround them, to challenge male-dominated fields, and to act in a respectful manner, in order to set an example for all women who do not (yet) dare to make their voices heard and develop their potential
Born on 30 December 1975, Marie-Dolorès Mabuila holds two masters degrees (one in criminology and the other in political science), obtained at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), in 2019 and 2021, while working full time. She is currently a first inspector in the Protection Directorate of the Belgian Federal Police. She has been working in the police in Brussels for more than 20 years. After working as a police auxiliary, she passed the competitive examination for inspector and worked in the Brussels-Capital Ixelles police zone before joining the Protection Directorate.
Marie-Dolorès Mabuila now wishes to put her experience and skills at the service of her country of origin, the DRC.
Claude Kabemba, appointed to the global working group for the development of a sector standard in the mining sector.
In January 2022, Claude Kabemba was selected by the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB) of the Global Reporting Initiative as one of 20 members of the global working group tasked with developing the content of a sector standard for the mining sector addressing the impacts of organisations in the sector.
Since 2006, Claude Kabemba has been the Executive Director of Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW), part of the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA). SARW specialises in the governance of minerals (solid and liquid) on the African continent and focuses on promoting transparent, accountable and equitable management of natural resources in Africa.
Claude Kabemba is an expert in political economy and holds a PhD in international relations (political economy) from the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa). His expertise is in how to maximise the development impact of mineral assets to address poverty and inequality in the African context.
Christel Kayibi, appointed as Sony Music’s Director of Repertoire. Voted Best Lawyer at the Young Music Boss Awards
In December 2020, Sony Music appointed Christel Kayibi as Director of Repertoire Strategy for Africa. Prior to her appointment, since January 2019, she was Head of Legal and Business Affairs and Head of A&R (Artists and Repertoire. discovering new artists or bands to offer a contract to. ) at Columbia Records UK, which is a division of Sony Music Entertainment.
In addition, in February 2022, Christel Kayibi was voted Best Music Industry Advocate at the Young Music Boss (YMB) Awards held at Earth, Hackney, London on Wednesday 16 February 2022.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Christel Kayibi arrived in England at the age of two with her parents. She has a law degree from Kings College London and completed a legal practice course at BPP University Law School (London).
Christel Kayibi’s career has included working as a legal advisor and business strategist for Banku Music, the music label of renowned Nigerian singer Mr Eazi. Before joining the music industry, Christel Kayibi worked for several law firms and companies.
Mutombo Dikembe received ‘NBA Global Ambassador’ award in the US
In February 2022, as the National Basketball Association (NBA) celebrated its 75th anniversary, the National Basketball Retired Players Association honoured three of its legends at the 22nd NBA Legends Awards. The ceremony, formerly known as the NBA Legends Brunch, was held at the Huntington Bank Convention Center in downtown Cleveland before the All-Star Game. Former Los Angeles Lakers greats Jerry West and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Denver Nuggets legend Dikembe Mutombo were honoured for their work off the court. In addition, Reverend Jesse Jackson received an award from the NBRPA.
Dikembe Mutombo received the Global Ambassador Award for his work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, his native country, and in the United States. His projects include the construction of a hospital in DR Congo in honour of his late mother, Biamba Marie Mutombo, and the construction of a school in the village of Tshibombo in Kasai Oriental, built to honour his late father. Dikembe Mutombo received the award from former NBA star Jayson Collins.
Bismack Biyombo, winner of the March 2022 NBA Cares Community Assist Award
Phoenix Suns player Bismack Biyombo was the recipient of the March 2022 NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his dedication to improving the conditions and livelihoods of individuals and communities in his native Democratic Republic of Congo. This monthly award recognizes the player who best demonstrates the passion that the American Basketball League and NBA players share for giving back to their communities.
Didi-Stone named UNICEF National Ambassador for the DRC
UNICEF announced on 8 March 2022 the appointment of French-Congolese model Didi-Stone as a National Ambassador for the DRC. The appointment, made on the occasion of International Women’s Day, said UNICEF, will allow Didi-Stone to contribute to changing the situation of children in the DRC and Africa, focusing on issues affecting girls, including child marriage. “As a girl from Congo, I cannot remain insensitive to child marriage. An injustice that has serious consequences for a girl’s life, her community and her entire country. I am committed to working with UNICEF to ensure that no girl is married before the age of 18,” said Didi-Stone.
Sandrine Mubenga, winner of the African Genius Award
Dr. Ngalula Sandrine Mubenga, Director General of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ARE) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was among the prestigious winners of the 2022 African Genius Awards, held in May 2022 at the Future Africa Institute at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Other award winners included Nigeria’s Wole Soyinka, the first African winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature; Kenyan writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o, considered to be East Africa’s leading novelist; and Akinwumi Adesina (Nigeria), President of the African Development Bank, who was previously Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Dr. Sandrine Mubenga is a professor in the Department of Engineering Technology at the University of Toledo, Ohio ,USA, where she received her PhD in Electrical Engineering, with honors, in 2017. Prior to her appointment as head of AER, Dr. Sandrine Mubenga was a member of the Board of Directors of the DRC’s national electricity company (SNEL).
Gisèla Mudumbi Van Houcke, AWIEF Young Entrepreneur Award
In September 2022, 31-year-old Congolese entrepreneur Gisèla Mudumbi Van Houcke won the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Young Entrepreneur Award. The winners of the 2022 AWIEF Awards were announced on the evening of 28 September at a ceremony held on the roof of the Nile Ritz-Carlton in Cairo, Egypt. Organised for the first time in North Africa, the AWIEF Awards aim to recognise, honour and celebrate Africa’s women entrepreneurs and business owners across a range of industry sectors for their achievements and contribution to the continent’s inclusive economic growth and social development.
Gisèla Mudumbi Van Houcke is the founder and CEO of Zuri Luxury Hair, a company specialising in the sale, installation and care of hair extensions. Originally from Kivu, in the east of the DRC, Gisèla Mudumbi Van Houcke holds a degree in British law and a degree in French law from the University of Nantes. After graduating, she worked for the American law firm, Skadden Arps, in London, before returning to live and work in Africa, where she was appointed head of the legal department at BBOXX, a British company that develops smart solar solutions for developing countries and has already electrified more than one million people across Africa.
She founded Zuri Luxury Hair in 2016, with the vision to boost the self-confidence of African women and turn their ambitions into action.
In 2018, Gisèla Mudumbi Van Houcke became the first Congolese woman to be listed in the Forbes 30 under 30 list of Forbes Africa magazine (English version).
Lokua Kanza, new member of the Recording Academy
In July 2022, Congolese music star Lokua Kanza became a member of the prestigious Recording Academy in the USA. These music professionals elect the winners of the Grammy Awards every year.
Joice Etutu in the Forbes Under 30 Europe list
Congolese-born journalist Joice Etutu made the Forbes Under 30 Europe list in 2022. She is a former senior advisor to the BBC News Group Board of Directors, a position she attained at the age of 26, becoming one of the youngest personalities to hold this position at the British news channel. Currently a senior reporter based in Kenya, Joice Eutu covers East Africa for BBC World News and BBC World Service. She has notably carried out an investigation on how young women are resorting to plastic surgery because of social network influencers.
Joice Etutu holds a master’s degree in arts/sciences from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London and a bachelor’s degree in arts/sciences from Brighton University.
Jonathan Kuminga, NBA Champion with the Warriors
On the night of 16-17 June 2022, 19-year-old Congolese Jonathan Kuminga was crowned NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, who won their 7th NBA championship title against the Boston Celtics. Even though he did not play the last game of the 7-game NBA Finals schedule, Jonathan Kuminga contributed to this success.
With this title, Jonathan Kuminga became the seventh African-born player to become an NBA champion, while other basketball legends have never won the title. In addition, on 7 May 2022, Jonathan Kuminga became the youngest starter in NBA playoff history.
Gladys Kazadi, appointed vice-president of the Belgian political party “Les Engagés”
In June 2022, Gladys Kazadi, Member of Parliament for Brussels and alderman, was appointed vice-president of the Movement “Les Engagés” as part of the renewal of the leadership of this Belgian political party. This is the first time that a young woman from sub-Saharan Africa has been appointed vice-president of a Belgian political party. At 28, Gladys Kazadi is vice-president of the movement “Les Engagés”, one of the youngest of the 89 members elected or re-elected to the Brussels parliament in May 2019, and a local councillor in the municipality of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, one of the 19 municipalities of Brussels.
Gladys Kazadi holds a Master’s degree in international relations from the Catholic University of Leuven and a degree in political science from the University of Saint-Louis in Brussels. Her thesis for her Master’s degree was entitled “The reconciliation process as a vector of pacification in the aftermath of inter-community conflicts (case of Kivu).
Yolande Amana-Ghola, elected local councillor in England
Born in the DRC, Yolande Amana Ghola was elected on 5 May 2022 as a councillor in Salford City Council, England. She was elected for a four-year term ending on 7 May 2026.
Marie-Chantal Kaninda, appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kamoto Copper Company
Marie-Chantal Kaninda, considered one of Africa’s most influential women in the mining sector, was appointed in July 2022 to head the Board of Directors of the Congolese subsidiary of Glencore, the world’s largest industrial cobalt producer. She is the first woman to hold this position. Kamoto Copper Company SA (KCC), located in Kolwezi, Lualaba province, Democratic Republic of Congo, is jointly owned by Glencore (75%) and Gécamines (25%).
Marie Chantal Kaninda was executive director of the World Diamond Council for two years, having previously worked for several major global mining groups.
Jonathan Esole appointed to the CNRS Africa Advisory Board
In July 2022, Jonathan Esole, a Congolese scientist and professor of mathematics in the United States, was appointed a member of the African Advisory Council of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). He is one of the 9 members of this Council whose names were revealed on 26 July 2022.
Jonathan Esole holds a PhD in mathematics from Leiden University in the Netherlands; a master’s degree in mathematics from the Free University of Brussels, Belgium; and an advanced certificate in mathematics and physics from Cambridge University. During his PhD, he studied at Stanford University.
Emmany Kalombo crowned IBF champion at Africa Boxing
South Africa’s Emmany Kalombo was crowned IBF (International Boxing Federation) champion on 30 June 2022 at ESPN Africa Boxing.
Nicknamed “The General”, Emmany Kalombo won the IBF International belt by defeating Kenyan Rayton Okwiri in the 8th round, after Okwiri retired. Emmany Kalombo thus inflicted on the Kenyan colossus his first defeat in 8 professional fights.
Emmany Kalombo is already the holder of the WBO (World Boxing Organization) Africa belt.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu elected first vice-president of SECAM
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Archdiocese of Kinshasa was elected first vice-president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) on Saturday 30 July in Accra, Ghana. This election elevated the Congolese prelate to the rank of second highest representative of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa.
Marco Kuyu, Deputy Director General of the Electricity Regulatory Authority
In August 2022, Marco Kuyu was appointed by the President of the DRC as Deputy Director General of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (AER). He holds a degree in private property law from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), with a specialisation in public and administrative law from the same university, and a Juris Doctoris from the University of Ottawa, Canada. A lawyer at the Kinshasa/Gombe bar, Mr Kuyu is also an accredited arbitrator with the National Centre for Arbitration, Conciliation and Mediation (CENACOM/FEC). Prior to his return to the DRC, he practised law as a lawyer at the Brussels Bar (2007) and the Law Society of Upper Canada (Ontario, 2014). At the time of his appointment, he was a legal consultant to the AER, where he assisted the AER in the arbitration and conciliation of disputes between subscribers and operators in the sector as well as in the review of legal and regulatory texts to be put in place in the electricity sector.
Sylvie Olela appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of the Electricity Regulatory Authority
Since August 2022, Sylvie Olela Odimba has chaired the Board of Directors of the Electricity Regulatory Authority, having been appointed by the President of the DRC, Félix Tshisekedi.
Sylvie Olela Odimba is a specialist in public procurement and international partnership management. She has worked for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the NGO SANRU (Primary Health Care in Rural Areas) and the international organisation CORDAID, on behalf of the Global Fund.
With 14 years of professional experience, Sylvie Olela is currently working as a public procurement officer at the Support Unit for the National Authorising Officer of European Development Funds.
Angèle Makombo appointed Deputy Executive Secretary of SADC
Angèle Makombo N’tumba has been appointed as the Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). She was sworn in on 17 August 2022 at the 42nd SADC Heads of State and Government Summit in Kinshasa, DRC.
Angèle Makombo N’tumba officially took up her post at the SADC Secretariat on 27 October 2022. As SADC’s Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, she is responsible for the directorates and functions that deal with SADC’s regional integration themes, including policy, planning and resource mobilisation, industrial development and trade, finance, investment and customs, infrastructure, food, agriculture and natural resources, social and human development and disaster risk reduction
Désiré Balazire appointed Euro Distribution Ambassador
In October 2022, Désiré Balazire, former General Manager of Congo Airways, was appointed Euro Distribution Ambassador for Africa. The first person to be appointed to this position, he represents the interests in Africa of Eurodistribution, an international company based in Madrid, Spain, which provides distribution services in more than 30 countries to airlines, cruise ships, trains and bus companies for the distribution of their inventories.
Gisèle Lutundula appointed Deputy General Manager of FNBank DRC
Gisèle Lutundula Putshu has been appointed deputy general manager of FBNBank in the DRC in October 2022. She is the only female member of the bank’s management committee. With over 14 years of experience in the banking sector in the DRC, Gisèle Lutundula has a wealth of experience in treasury management, commercial, economic analysis of markets (currencies, bonds and money), management of the corporate banking segment, international (trade finance) and domestic banking operations and customer service.
Gisèle Lutundula holds a degree in economics from the Catholic University of Congo and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.
Nathalie Kienga, appointed cybersecurity advisor to the DRC Presidency
In February 2022, Nathalie Kienga was appointed cybersecurity and emerging technologies advisor to the Presidency of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Founder of the African Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Institute (I-CSSI), created in April 2021 in Kinshasa, Nathalie Kienga has been working in the cybersecurity sector for over a decade. She has held various positions in multiple sectors (banking, industry, cosmetics) in France and Switzerland.
In 2019, Nathalie Kienga created Africa Security Partners, an association whose mission is to promote cybersecurity on the African continent. In 2021, she became vice-president of Ciberobs, the first cybersecurity observatory in Africa, based in Côte d’Ivoire and organiser of the Cyber Africa Forum.
Nathalie KIENGA also sits on the scientific committee of the Swiss foundation AFRIA (Agence Francophone pour l’Intelligence Artificielle) and on the advisory board of the Ivorian foundation “Génération numérique”.
Nadège Bula Bula, first winner of the Pierre Castel Prize
On Thursday 23 June, Nadège Bula Bula, Managing Director of the company My Success (MYS), won the third edition of the Pierre Castel Prize in the DRC. This prize is an initiative of the Pierre Castel Fund and aims to promote agricultural entrepreneurship in Africa.
Nadège Bula Bula was awarded 15,000 euros and a monitoring and coaching programme. Her company, My Success (MYS), specialises in the processing and marketing of two local infusions, Bulukutu (Lippa mulitiflora) and lemongrass.
Nefertiti Tshibanda appointed OIF representative to the African Union
Nefertiti Tshibanda was appointed on Monday 24 October 2022 as the representative of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) to the African Union in Addis Ababa. Prior to this appointment, she was General Delegate for La Francophonie in the Ministry of International Cooperation, Regional Integration and La Francophonie of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Néfertiti Tshibanda spent almost 12 years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie as a researcher, advisor and then as coordinator of the Minister’s office. In these positions, she actively participated in the promotion of the country’s economic interests, the development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation relations and the negotiations of peace agreements.
Before returning to the DRC, she lived in Europe and the United States, where she obtained a degree in political science and international relations.
Christophe Mputu, Jiu-Jitsu world champion
Christophe Mputu made history by becoming the first Congolese to win the Jiu-Jitsu world championship title in the under 94kg category at the world championships held from 29 October to 11 November 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Christophe Mputu achieved this feat with his own means, without the help of the Congolese state or the Congolese Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
Prior to this, Christophe Mputu had won the African Jiu-Jitsu title in his category; was a bronze medallist at the German Open and a silver medallist at the Paris Grand Prix in 2022.
Anthony Nkinzo, appointed president of Rialfi
Director General of the National Agency for Investment Promotion (ANAPI) of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Anthony Nkinzo was elected in June 2022 as President of the International Network of French-speaking Investment Promotion Agencies (RIAFPI), which brings together more than 20 French-speaking countries in the world, including 17 African countries.
Before being appointed Director General of ANAPI, Anthony Nkinzo held several positions including Director of Cabinet at the Ministry of Portfolio and Director of Cabinet at the Vice-Primacy of the DRC, in charge of the Ministry of Budget. He was also Tax & Legal Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the DRC, in charge of legal advice and tax assessment for multinational and local clients; Human Resources Business Partners at Nestlé Congo SPRL and Recovery Verification Agent at the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI DRC).
Anthony Nkinzo holds a post-graduate certification in advanced general management from HEC Paris University (France). He holds a degree in law, option public international law from the University of Kinshasa and a degree in law from the University of Bukavu.
Jessikah Inaba, the UK’s first black and blind lawyer
In November 2022, 23-year-old Jessikah Inaba made history, becoming the UK’s first black and blind barrister. The news has been confirmed by the UK’s leading legal organisations, including the Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board.
Jessikah Inaba studied law at Bloomsbury University in central London, creating her own Braille documents from lecture notes and inscriptions from friends and tutors who read them out to her. She was also the first black and blind student at the university.
Patricia Nzolantima appointed co-chair of the Leadership Council (Harvard)
In November 2022, Patricia Nzolantima was appointed co-chair of the Leadership Council of the Center for African Studies at Harvard University, USA. This is an internationally recognised interdisciplinary organisation at Harvard University that aims to broaden public and academic awareness of Africa, African experiences and perspectives.
It is since May 2017 that Patricia Nzolantima was selected as one of 20 Africans from across the continent as a member of the Leadership Council of the Harvard University Center for African Studies.
With more than 18 years of entrepreneurial experience, Patricia Nzolantima is the founder and president of Bizzoly Holdings, a women-owned business and foundation. As part of this, she created Ubizcabs, the first female-led taxi company in the Democratic Republic of Congo and “Ubizdelivery”, the first female logistics services. She is also the founder of Bizzoly Brands and Co. Sarl, a consumer products company specialising in household products and value chains.
Patricia Nzolantima is also the co-founder and managing director of EXP-Comuni-cart, a marketing agency based in the DRC.
Lorraine Lemaire Kamakanda, at the innovation pole of Schneider Electric France
In September 2022, Lorraine Lemaire Kamakanda joined the innovation division of Schneider Electric France, where she holds the position of personal secretary to the general management.
Lorraine Lemaire Kamakanda describes herself as having an atypical profile. “The kind of background that is out of the ordinary, that jumps from vine to vine”. She began her career in sales, passing through marketing, before joining the communication field, while carrying out various missions in other areas. In addition to this, she has had experience abroad. She has lived and worked in 4 countries. She has also tried her hand at entrepreneurship with homemade products from cosmetics to jewelry and accessories.
Lorraine Lemaire Kamakanda is also the co-founder and CEO of Banazola Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that she founded with her husband, Congolese international footballer Distel Zola. Registered in the United States, Banazola Foundation helps vulnerable children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In particular, the Foundation has undertaken the rehabilitation of the Saint Gabriel school in the Yolo district, in the commune of Kalamu, Kinshasa. This school was a shadow of its former self, abandoned since 1954, with 400 students, 10 classrooms and only 6 usable ones. Thanks to this action, the Minister of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education of the DRC, Tony Mwaba, provided 150 benches and promised to finish the rehabilitation of the school.
Sammy Baloji, winner of the KU Leuven Culture Award
Photographer and filmmaker Sammy Baloji was awarded the KU Leuven Culture Prize on 1 December 2022 in the Emma Vorlat Auditorium on the social sciences campus of KU Leuven, the Dutch-speaking Belgian university based in the city of Leuven.
Sammy Baloji is an internationally acclaimed photographer and visual artist with several awards and solo exhibitions to his credit. His videos, installations and photo series highlight Belgium’s colonial past and its persistent traces in the present.
Fally Ipupa, Martyrs’ stadium concert and golden disc
Congolese music star Fally Ipupa gave a historic concert on Saturday 29 October 2022 in a packed Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa. The internationally renowned artist won the bet and took up the challenge with a colourful show.
In addition, the album “Tokooos” of Fally Ipupa, released in 2017, was certified as a gold record on 10 October 2022 in France by the Syndicat national de l’édition phonographique (SNEP). According to this organisation, the record has reached fifty thousand copies sold.
Father José Minaku, President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar
Father José Minaku Lukoli (54) was nominated on 3 December 2022 by the Father General of the Jesuit Congregation to be the next President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM). He will take office in 2023, at a date yet to be determined.
In his letter of nomination, the Jesuit Father General described him as a Jesuit with “qualities, language skills and experiences that will help him to fulfil the office of President with fidelity, courage and spirituality”. He added that “he will be able to take into account the needs and expectations of the Conference and the Society of Jesus, and to listen to Jesuits and collaborators.
Father José Minaku is a member of the Jesuit Province of Central Africa (ACE). Prior to his appointment, he served as Socius to the Novice Director in Kisantu, DRC, Socius to the Provincial, and Rector of Alfajiri College in Bukavu. He was Provincial of the ACE from 2014 to 2020. He is currently an assistant instructor of the Third Year.
Tisya Mukuna, Forbes Africa Under 30
The young Congolese entrepreneur Tisya Mukuna was included in the list of 30 young Africans under 30 who will shape the Africa of tomorrow, published by Forbes Africa magazine in 2022. She is the head of the company “La Boite”, which implements various projects, including the production and marketing of a 100% Congolese coffee called “La Kinoise”, in reference to the plantation she runs in Kinshasa. This is the first brand of coffee produced and grown in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC. “La Kinoise” has four ranges of coffee: Arabica, Robusta, Mochaccino and Arabusta.
Tisya Mukuna holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from the Institut d’Economie Scientifique et de Gestion (IESEG) in Paris and an MBA from Shanghai International Studies University in China.
Prisca Makila Forbes Africa Under 30
Prisca Makila, an electronics engineer, was also included in the Forbes Africa Under 30 list.
A third-year electronics student at the Institut Supérieur des Techniques Appliquées (ISTA-Ndolo) in Kinshasa, Prisca Makila founded and runs the startup “Kim Engineering”, which specialises in electronic design, robotics, home automation, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
She has designed the project, still in “prototype”, called “Intelligent Logette” to automatically manage electricity. Indeed, it was after having noticed that some people died from electrocution, especially when handling electrical wires with their hands, that she conceived this project. The intelligent cubicle can operate in single, two or three-phase mode. It divides the loads automatically on all phases. The user does not need to go and touch his electrical cabinet to restore the electricity in case of a power cut. The intelligent cubicle switches the correct voltage and if there is a surge, only the correct voltage is switched.
Mannick Syllas Bryant Forbes Africa Under 30
Mannick Syllas Bryant, 27, was also included in Forbes Africa’s list of 30 Africans under 30 who are shaping Africa’s future. A graduate in business informatics from the Higher Institute of Informatics and Management in Goma, he is the co-founder and CEO of the startup “Ffind Solution Technology”, active in the IT sector. Founded in 2016 and based in Goma in North Kivu, the startup specialises in the development of tailor-made IT solutions.
Through his company, Mannick Syllas Bryant has notably created the “Shule System” application to allow parents to follow their children’s schooling, by accessing their school records, and to monitor information in real time.
The application can be bundled with a package, giving schools access to the Internet and computers.
N’djoku Bokungu appointed Chief Life Actuary at Zurich Eurolife S.A.
In September 2022, N’djoku Bokungu was appointed Chief Life Actuary at Zurich Eurolife S.A, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Insurance, based in Luxembourg.
N’djoku Bokungu has more than 20 years of professional experience and joined Zurich Eurolife S.A. from Bâloise Vie Luxembourg S.A., where he had worked since 2014 as a valuation actuary.
In the actuarial sector, N’djoku Bokungu led various projects in the implementation of the Solvency II calculation, data quality management, the specific policy management tool or the dynamic control tool.
Before working in the insurance sector, N’djoku Bokungu worked in the research and teaching sector. From 2001 to 2006, he worked at the University of Liège as a research engineer and assistant professor.
After his primary and secondary education at Collège Boboto in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, N’djoku Bokungu did his master’s degree at the University of Liège, where he obtained the degree of civil engineer in 1999. He obtained his degree in financial engineering and actuarial sciences at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in 2007.
Sylvie Elenge Nyembo appointed Director General of RTNC
In November 2022, Sylvie Elenge was appointed director general of the Congolese National Radio and Television (RTNC).
Sylvie Elenge Nyembo is head of research at the Institut facultaire des sciences de l’information et la communication (IFASIC) and is doing a PhD at the same university. She is also president of the Movement of Women’s Initiatives for Democracy and Development (MIFED CONGO), a structure that supports the socio-economic activities of vulnerable women.
Pierre Kwenders, best Canadian album of the year
The Canadian singer of Congolese origin, Pierre Kwenders, has won the Polaris Music Prize 2022 for his album “Jose Louis and the Paradox Of Love”. The award is given to the best Canadian album of the year.
The third album of Pierre Kwenders’ career, which is a blend of Congolese rumba, R&B and pop, was selected by an 11-member grand jury as the best Canadian album of the year based on artistic merit. At the ceremony held in September 2022 in Toronto, Kwenders beat out nine other nominees to win the $50,000 prize,
Pierre Kwenders, whose real name is Jose Louis Modabi, was born in Kinshasa, Congo, and immigrated to Canada in 2001. His stage name is a tribute to his late grandfather.
The album ‘Jose Louis and the Paradox Of Love’ was recorded over a period of four years and Pierre Kwenders describes it as a reflection on romantic love, family and personal growth, sung in English, French, Lingala, Tshiluba and Kikongo.
Eric Ntumba, on the Choiseul Africa list
Congolese banker Eric Ntumban is on the 2022 list of young economic leaders of tomorrow, published by the Choiseul Institute.
Eric Ntumba is a graduate of the Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA) in France, where he graduated top of his class with a master’s degree in public administration (Willy Brandt), as well as of the North West University in South Africa. He is also a member of the first class of Young Leaders of the Africa-France Foundation and was selected for the first class of the Mandela Washington fellowship (Yali) in 2014. Eric Ntumba is also a member of the OCP Policy Center’s Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders Programme.
Eric Ntumba received the Makomi 2020 Prize (Congolese Literature Prize) for his first novel “Une vie après le Styx”.
Yannick Mbiya, on the Choiseul Africa list
The Congolese banker Yannick Mbiya, 39, is also on the 2022 list of young economic leaders of tomorrow, published by the Choiseul Institute. Since August 2019, he has been the deputy general manager of Trust Merchant Bank DRC, a Congolese bank recently acquired by the Kenyan banking group KCB Group. He has been with the bank for more than 15 years, where he has held several positions including regional manager and branch coordinator.
Yannick Mbiya holds an engineering degree in management, corporate, finance, strategy and innovation from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.
Zain RAWJI, on the Choiseul Africa list
Congolese banker Zain Rawji, 37, is also on the 2022 list of young economic leaders of tomorrow, published by the Choiseul Institute. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the insurance company “Rawsur” and of “Rawsur Life”, the first licensed life insurance company in the DRC. He is also a member of the Ethics and Compliance Committee and a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee of Rawbank, the leading bank in the DRC and owned by the RAWJI family.
Dana Mopulunga, on the Choiseul Africa list
Entrepreneur Dana Mopulunga, 33, is also included in the 2022 list of Young Economic Leaders of Tomorrow, published by the Choiseul Institute. She is the founder and CEO of Bernika Health, a company that provides healthcare solutions to the private and public sector, including medical consumables, e-health services and mobile clinics.
Dana Mopulunga holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sciences from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa and a MPHIL (Master) in International Business from the Gordon institute of business science, University of Pretoria.
Alda Kule Dale, on the Choiseul Africa list
Alda Kule Dale, 35, is the fifth Congolese personality to be included in the 2022 list of young economic leaders of tomorrow, published by the Choiseul Institute. She is currently financial advisor to the DRC’s Minister of Finance, Nicolas Kazadi.
Alda Kule Dale is a French financial and consulting professional of Congolese origin and the first Congolese woman to graduate from the MBA programme of the European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD). After her studies at INSEAD, she moved from finance (European real estate equity research) to consulting at Kearney in Paris. In 2019, she spent four months in six African countries (including Congo) on a project in the telecommunications sector.
Alda Kule Dale also teaches finance courses to Masters students in France and co-founded “TinGamma”, a pro-bono accelerator for startups/SMEs that offers turnkey support to selected startups and SMEs in Congo.
Alda Kule Dale was born in Kinshasa, grew up in Nairobi and moved to Paris in 2002.
Ziko Makengele, New EFC World Champion
In April 2022, Congolese Ziko Makengele became the new Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) welterweight world champion (between 63.503 kg and 66.678 kg). The Congolese fighter knocked out his opponent Martin Van Staden of South Africa just 2.14 minutes into the fight. Ziko “The Gorilla” Makengele thus became the first person to knock out the bookmakers’ favourite, Martin “The Punisher” van Staden, one of the greatest fighters in African MMA history.
Wenge Musica, first concert after 25 years of separation
The historic reunion concert of the musicians of the Wenge Musica orchestra took place in Kinshasa on 30 June 2022 at the Stade des Martyrs, which was taken over by the public. 25 years after their separation, the members of this musical group, which marked a whole generation, performed together again on the same stage to the great joy of the public.
Kevin Mavakala, second best project in post-production
The young Congolese director, Kevin Mavakala, was awarded the prize for the second best post-production project of the Takmil Programme at the 33rd edition of the Carthage Film Festival (JCC) in Tunis on 4 November 2022. The prize was awarded for his film “Life is a path”.
Chancel Mbemba, winner of the Portuguese championship and the Portuguese cup
In 2022, the Congolese international footballer Chancel Mbemba, who played for Porto (Portugal), won the Portuguese championship and the Portuguese Cup with his team. Nicknamed “Demi-dieu” by his fans, the Congolese defender now plays for Olympique Club de Marseille (France), where he is one of the best players in the French Ligue 1.
Joviale Muaka, artist, Western Cape Province Most Innovative Artist Award (South Africa)
South African artist Joviale Nteto Muaka, 26, has been awarded the ‘Most innovative contribution of an Artist/NGO in the Visual Arts Discipline’ by the Provincial Department of Culture of the Western Cape Provincial Government. The award was presented at the 20th Cultural Affairs Awards 2022, held on Wednesday 12 October at the Artscape Theatre Centre by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, after a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The awards recognise individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution to the arts, culture, languages, libraries, archives, heritage and museums in the province.
According to the artist Joviale Muaka, this prize was awarded to him thanks to his “Portfolio” rich in work and a charity activity organised in Kinshasa in April 2020 called “500 CDF are enough” in favour of orphans.
Joviale Muaka makes abstract art which she calls “The art of the soul”, which for her is the ability she has as an artist to remember her dreams or night visions, and to transfer them into the painting. For the young artist, her art is a bridge between the spiritual and physical worlds through the power of the Holy Spirit. Her paintings, it is explained, are messages that God sends to spread love, peace, happiness, stability, hope, and more.
Dalal Hoballah, Fourth place in the Miss Lebanon contest
In July 2022, seventeen young women participated in the final of Miss Lebanon. Among them was the Congolese-Lebanese Dalal Hoballah, who came in fourth place and caused a lot of reactions on social networks. When one of the judges asked her what cause she would defend, she replied: “There is beauty in diversity”.
Dalal Hoballah was the only racially diverse candidate in the Miss Lebanon 2022 contest.
Barbara KANAM, appointed National Goodwill Ambassador by the UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) appointed on Monday 16 May 2022, the Congolese singer, Barbara Kanam, “National Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Development Programme for the Promotion of Climate Action in the DRC”.
The UNDP had indicated that it had chosen Barbara Kanam to accompany it in the fight against global warming caused, among other things, by deforestation. This fight is characterised by the promotion and adoption of clean cooking methods using improved stoves and domestic gas.
Elyse Balepe, runner-up in the African International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Championships
Elyse Balepe won the silver medal in the middleweight category at the IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) African Championships held in May 2022, which saw the Democratic Republic of Congo return to competition for the first time since 2019.
In the semi-finals, Elyse Balepe shocked everyone by punching her opponent and knocking her out. His raw power led many to believe he was capable of winning the gold medal. However, Balepe lost in the final and narrowly lost to Elisio Zua of Angola. Although he did not win the final, he put in a very good performance.
Jacob Jay, winner of the Vodacom Best of the Best music competition
In September 2022, after 10 weeks of competition, Jacob Jay, candidate number 12 of the Vodacom Best of the Best music competition, was crowned champion of the fifth edition of this competition for talented young singers. With this victory, Jacob Jay won the sum of 20,000 US dollars and signed a contract with the production company Sony Music Africa.
