2025 was a year of prominence, influence, and national pride for Congolese men and women distinguished by major nominations, prestigious awards, and remarkable individual achievements. From the fields of the world’s greatest international competitions to the strategic spheres of finance, justice, culture, technology, and entrepreneurship, these exceptional figures carried the flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo high and, for some, permanently inscribed their names in history.
Fiston Kalala Mayele: Historic in 2025!
The year 2025 will remain etched in African and Congolese football history. Fiston Kalala Mayele had an exceptional season, capped by an unprecedented feat: top scorer of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup with 3 goals, a competition won this year by Paris Saint-Germain. This is a historic first for a Congolese player in a FIFA-organized international competition.
But the achievement does not stop there. At club level, the Congolese striker won everything. Victorious in the CAF Champions League, the Egyptian football championship, the CAF Super Cup, and the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup, Fiston Mayele dominated the continental and international scene.
Individually, he excelled in all debates: top scorer of the CAF Champions League, the CAF Super Cup, and the FIFA International Cup, before being crowned African Interclub Player of the Year 2025.
A legendary season, worthy of the greatest names in football.
Eric Mboma, CEO for Africa of Embed Financial Group Holdings (EFGH)
The Singapore-based insurtech company Embed Financial Group Holdings (EFGH) announced on June 17 the appointment of Eric Mboma as CEO for Africa. This strategic decision reflects the group’s ambition to strengthen its foothold on the continent and accelerate its mission to democratize access to financial services.
An international banker and executive, Eric Mboma has over twenty years of experience in financial services and impact investment in Africa. He has held leading positions, including CEO of Standard Bank in the DRC, the first Director General of the Insurance Regulatory and Control Authority (ARCA), Executive Director of the African Guarantee Fund, and Director of External Affairs for Prudential Plc in Africa and the Middle East.
Marie-France Mumba, Director of the School of Arts and Crafts
In June 2025, Marie-France Mumba was appointed director of the School of Arts and Crafts / DRC, which aims to promote Congolese artisanal skills.
An entrepreneur active for over fifteen years in the fashion sector, Marie-France Mumba trained in fashion and interior design in South Africa. She began her career in Kinshasa, working for six years with major companies, refining her understanding of the local market and Congolese creative realities. Her career continued internationally. In 2018, she moved to the United States, enriching her experience with new standards, methods, and a globalized fashion ecosystem.
In 2023, she chose to return to contribute actively to structuring a local creative ecosystem, still undervalued but full of immense potential.
At the helm of the School of Arts and Crafts, she advocates a clear approach: train, pass on knowledge, and showcase talent. Convinced that the future of luxury and creativity depends on mastering traditional techniques, she works on training programs rooted in Congolese realities, open to innovation and oriented toward excellence.
Belinda Luntadila Nzuzi, President of the Normalization Committee (CONOR) of the Congolese Football Association (FECOFA)
A lawyer by training and a leading executive, Me Belinda Luntadila Nzuzi has served since July 2025 as President of the Normalization Committee of the Congolese Football Association (CONOR/FECOFA), the body responsible for normalizing and managing Congolese football during a pivotal moment for the sport’s future.
This appointment continues her decisive engagement in sports governance. In August 2024, Me Luntadila played a crucial role as Chair of the CAF Expert Panel, responsible for examining applications to FECOFA’s electoral and appeals commissions, a strategic mission for the credibility and transparency of sports institutions.
On the international stage, Me Belinda Luntadila Nzuzi reached a historic milestone on May 15, 2025, when she was elected member of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, becoming the first Congolese woman to serve on this global body for a renewable four-year term.
A lawyer at the Kinshasa/Matete Bar and founder of Luntadila Law Firm, Me Belinda Luntadila is a former rapporteur and spokesperson of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) and ex-ministerial advisor. She has co-founded and presides over several organizations working for human rights, gender, and development, and is the author of legal publications and a promoter of civic innovations.
André Wameso, Governor of the Central Bank of Congo
The 23rd Governor of the Central Bank of Congo since July 23, 2025, André Wameso Nkualoloki leads the monetary institution in an era of major economic balances for the DRC. An economist and seasoned financier, he has over 25 years of experience in banking, finance, and institutional spheres, both in the DRC and internationally.
Trained in commercial engineering and management (finance) at the Catholic University of Louvain, he built his expertise in major financial groups such as Dexia and Rawbank.
A deep connoisseur of macroeconomic mechanisms and financial sovereignty issues, André Wameso later joined the Presidency of the Republic as itinerant ambassador of the Head of State, then as Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of economic and financial affairs, where he distinguished himself in major negotiations, strategic agreements, and defending DRC interests internationally before being called to head the central bank.
Mbembo Bemba, Deputy Managing Direcor, FirstBank DRC
In September 2025, Mbembo Bemba was appointed Deputy General Manager of FirstBank DRC, becoming the right-hand man of the CEO to oversee operations and accelerate national growth.
A recognized banking expert, he has over twelve years of experience. Since joining FirstBank DRC in 2023 as Regional Director for the Greater Katanga, he injected new energy into the bank’s operations: developing the mining portfolio, expanding the client base, and significantly increasing loans and deposits.
Academically, he holds a Master in International Trade from the American Business School of Paris, specialized in management at Tongji University, Shanghai, and a Master from the Higher Institute of Banking, Nanterre, combining global vision and local expertise.
Prior to joining FirstBank DRC, he held strategic roles at BIAC, Rawbank, and Standard Bank, mastering financial challenges and leading large-scale projects in complex, competitive environments.
Manuel Ntumba, Coordinator of the African Ports Connectivity Project
Since November 2025, Manuel Ntumba has coordinated the African Ports Connectivity Project (APC-PP), a pan-African initiative under the governance of the African Development Bank (AfDB). The project addresses structural governance deficits that have hampered African ports for over two decades: logistical inefficiencies, high operational costs, and limited access to competitive financing. The goal: transform ports into levers of continental competitiveness.
An entrepreneur, advisor, and geostrategist, Manuel Ntumba is among Africa’s youngest aerospace engineers and a major reference in aerospace technology and global governance.
Internationally recognized for expertise in strategy, governance, finance, and digital innovation, he has been Executive Vice President and Managing Partner of Tod’Aérs Global Network (TGN) since January 2020. He advises public institutions, private companies, and governments worldwide, supervising global operations and strategic partnerships.
Since December 2025, he has also served as Senior Technical Advisor and Alternate Representative to the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) and as Monitoring and Evaluation Head of the Congo Basin Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program, funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the World Bank, UNDP, UNEP, IUCN, and WWF. He sits on the Steering Committee of the Malaria Eradication Partnership alongside the World Bank, UNDP, UNOPS, UNICEF, and WHO.
Brigitte Nsensele Wa Nsensele, First President of the Council of State
Appointed First President of the Council of State of the DRC on January 16, 2025, Brigitte Nsensele Wa Nsensele is a respected figure in the judiciary. Prior to her appointment, she already served as President of the Council of State, having built a career based on rigor, consistency, and judicial excellence.
Holder of a degree in private and judicial law from the University of Kinshasa, she has had an exemplary ascending judicial career. Confirmed in 2002 as President of the Kinshasa Peace Tribunal, she became a counselor at the Court of Appeal of Kinshasa/Matete in 2009. In 2012, she joined the Court of Appeal of Lubumbashi, climbing the ranks to assume its presidency, affirming her authority and judicial leadership.
The Council of State, established by Article 154 of the 2006 Constitution and organized under Organic Law No. 16/027 of October 15, 2016, is the highest administrative court in the DRC. It plays a central role in consolidating the rule of law, arbitrating disputes between the administration and citizens, companies, and associations, and ensuring independent, credible, and structured administrative justice.
Jean-Pierre Latere, $1 Billion Deal with AstraZeneca
Belgian entrepreneur of Congolese origin, Jean-Pierre Latere is the founder of EsoBiotec, a visionary biotech company established in 2021 that revolutionizes in vivo cell therapy, aiming to make cancer treatments more powerful, faster, and accessible. This breakthrough reached a historic milestone with its acquisition by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, in a deal potentially worth $1 billion, a decisive turning point recognizing his bold vision.
Born in Lubumbashi and educated at Collège Boboto in Kinshasa, Jean-Pierre Latere earned a PhD in Polymer Chemistry from the University of Liège, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan. He then pursued an international pharmaceutical research career at Johnson & Johnson before joining Cardio3Biosciences (now Celyad), specializing in cell therapies for heart failure and cancer.
He later held senior executive roles at Dow Corning and Celyad Oncology, developing international teams and innovative CAR-T therapy programs. In 2020, he founded EsoBiotec with a radical idea: transform each patient into a “CAR-T factory” to democratize access to cell therapies and permanently change cancer treatment.
Michael Kayembe, Managing Director of UBA DRC
Appointed Managing Director of UBA DRC in December 2025, Michael Kayembe is tasked with driving the bank’s growth strategy, optimizing operational performance, and building and strengthening solid, lasting institutional partnerships, aiming to establish the bank as a key and innovative player in the Congolese market. Holder of an MBA from Kennesaw State University, he has a strong high-level education in strategy, marketing, and business analysis, forming the foundation of his rigorous approach to banking management.
A seasoned banker, Michael Kayembe has over twenty years of banking experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Before joining UBA DRC, he held senior positions at Rawbank, where he managed multi-site operations and led major strategic transformations in demanding environments. At Rawbank, he served as Country Director for Corporate and Investment Banking, then as Regional Director, overseeing the bank’s operations in eastern DRC. In this capacity, he led teams of over 200 employees while managing client relationships, credit risk, and operational risk.
His career is also strongly marked by 14 years at Citigroup DRC, where he successively held the positions of Branch Manager and Head of Client Relations, then Director of Corporate Banking and International Banking Network. During this time, he structured and developed strategic corporate portfolios, strengthened relationships with international banking networks, and led high-value, transformative initiatives.
Hugues Bosala, Deputy CEO of Rawbank in charge of Business and Development
Appointed Deputy CEO of Rawbank in September 2025, after more than fifteen years of continuous progression within the country’s leading bank, Hugues Bosala embodies the promotion of merit and internal excellence.
He began his career at Rawbank in 2008 as a retail credit analyst in Kinshasa, before being promoted to Branch Manager in Bukavu from 2010 to 2012. His career accelerated with his appointment as Regional Director for the East Zone from 2013 to 2018, then Regional Director for the Kinshasa Zone from 2019 to September 2025. Simultaneously, since April 2018, he has served as Country Director for Corporate and Institutional Banking, managing relationships with major accounts and strategic institutions.
A trained lawyer and financier, Hugues Bosala holds a law degree from the Protestant University in Congo, an Executive MBA from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, and a certification in leadership and management skills from the Leadership Institute in Management.
Throughout his career, he has distinguished himself by leading structuring projects, revitalizing client portfolios, and strengthening Rawbank’s territorial presence, contributing sustainably to the institution’s solidity and growth.
Victor Madiela, CEO of Brassivoire (Heineken)
In May 2025, Victor Madiela was appointed CEO of Brassivoire in Côte d’Ivoire, following an outstanding career within the Heineken Group in Central and East Africa.
Before taking the helm at Brassivoire, he led Bralima in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from January 2019 to May 2025, after serving as CEO of Bralirwa in Rwanda between September 2016 and December 2018. He also held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Brarudi in Burundi from November 2012 to August 2016. Earlier at Bralima, he held several strategic roles, including Director of Management Control and Head of Planning and Control, overseeing budgets, brand profitability, deposits, and group-level reporting.
With over 30 years of experience in the beverage and finance industries, Victor Madiela began his career as a Financial Controller at SIAT in Paris and Brazzaville from 1995 to 1999, before joining Brasseries du Congo from 1999 to 2008. There, he managed logistics, procurement, and distribution, supervising over 800 employees and a turnover exceeding $220 million.
Trained in management and business administration, Victor Madiela holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Institut Supérieur de Gestion in Brazzaville, a Master’s degree and DEA in Management Sciences from Paris IX-Dauphine University, and has completed advanced leadership and management programs at INSEAD (France) and Heineken University (Amsterdam), strengthening his international, results-oriented managerial vision.
Olivier Binyingo, Chairman of Kamoa Copper
Appointed Chairman of the Board of Kamoa Copper (the Congolese subsidiary of the Canadian mining group Ivanhoe Mines) in April 2025, Olivier Binyingo is a seasoned expert in law and public affairs with extensive experience across the African continent. He has been a member of Kamoa Copper’s Board of Directors since March 2021, playing a key role in the company’s governance and strategic direction.
As a Board member, he has been instrumental in structural decisions and the group’s strategic alignment.
In parallel, Olivier Binyingo holds senior executive positions within Ivanhoe Mines: Executive Vice President for the DRC and strategic projects, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Kipushi Corporation, Chairman of Ivanhoe Mines Energy DRC, as well as several leadership roles within the group’s entities in the DRC. In these capacities, he manages relationships with key stakeholders and leads major strategic initiatives, contributing to the sustainable performance and long-term success of Ivanhoe Mines’ projects.
Holder of a Master’s degree in Law from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium) and a Master’s in Security and Defense from Université Grenoble Alpes (France), Olivier Binyingo gained top-tier experience at internationally renowned professional services firms, advising on large-scale projects across more than 40 African countries. This high-level expertise has earned him prestigious distinctions, including recognition by Chambers Global, cementing his status as a leading authority in law and public affairs on the continent.
Bestine Kazadi, President of FIFA Interclub Women’s Competitions Commission
In October 2025, Bestine Kazadi made history in global football by being appointed Chairwoman of the FIFA Women’s Club Competitions Committee, becoming the first Congolese woman to lead interclub women’s competitions at the international level. This milestone confirms her leadership and growing influence in football governance.
A few months earlier, in March 2025, she had already achieved a major breakthrough by being elected, by acclamation, as the 5th Vice President of CAF for a four-year term. Once again, she became the first Congolese woman to hold this position, with the strategic mission of leading the development of women’s football across Africa.
A pioneer and iconic figure in Congolese football, Bestine Kazadi had previously, on July 1, 2020, become the first female president of AS Vita Club, one of the most prestigious clubs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her dual ascent within CAF and FIFA has made her an essential reference in women’s football, both in Africa and on the global stage.
Gemima Kanam, Winner of Pierre Castel Prize (DRC)
On June 27, 2025, following the grand oral of the Pierre Castel Prize, Gemima Kanam stood out brilliantly, earning the title of BRACONGO 2025 Laureate. This award recognizes, each year, African entrepreneurs who combine innovation, social impact, and sustainable development.
As head of Hi Tech Sarl, Gemima Kanam leads an innovative, inclusive project deeply rooted in local realities: the cultivation and artisanal processing of edible mushrooms, based on manual techniques, the use of local resources, and an accessible, replicable, high-impact agricultural model. Her initiative directly contributes to food security, promotes local job creation, and demonstrates the potential of community-based agriculture.
Perfectly aligned with the priorities of the 2025 edition of the Pierre Castel Prize-sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and responsible consumption, the Hi Tech Sarl project illustrates a human-scale agro-industry capable of generating economic value while reducing environmental impact.
Impressed by the maturity of the project, the clarity of its strategic vision, and Gemima Kanam’s entrepreneurial determination, the jury, composed of experts in entrepreneurship, development, and international cooperation, unanimously praised her leadership and her ability to sustainably structure an impact-driven company.
Thanks to this distinction, she received €25,000 in funding to strengthen Hi Tech Sarl’s technical and operational capacities, along with one year of personalized mentorship through the Pierre Castel Foundation program, in collaboration with African and European experts.
Gemima Kanam also represented the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the pan-African finale of the Pierre Castel Prize, held in September 2025 in Abidjan.
Christophe Bitasimwa, Head of the General Finance Inspectorate (IGF)
Since May 7, 2025, Christophe Bitasimwa Bahii has served as the new Inspector General of Finance / Head of Service at the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF). A discreet yet universally respected figure, he assumed leadership of this strategic institution with a reputation as a rigorous technocrat, carrying a demanding vision for public finance oversight and the strengthening of economic governance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
An economist by training with a PhD in Economics and Development, he has accumulated over 35 years of experience at the heart of public finances and the state apparatus. He joined the IGF in the late 1980s as a trainee finance inspector and methodically climbed the ranks: finance inspector, senior inspector, and then Inspector General of Finance with the rank of Secretary General in 2010. In 2023, he was appointed Inspector General of Finance / Head of Brigade for the Provinces and Decentralized Territorial Entities, before reaching the pinnacle of the institution.
His expertise was also forged within several strategic state structures. He has served as advisor in charge of project monitoring and control at the Ministry of Planning, financial administrator-director of the National Supply and Printing Authority (RENAPI), Chairman of the Board of REGIDESO, technical administrator-director of the National Hydrocarbons Company of Congo (SONAHYDRO), and then Director of Internal Audit at the National Road Maintenance Fund (FONER). From 2013 to 2022, he held the key position of Secretary General for Finance, before being appointed Secretary General of Industry from October 2022 to March 2023.
Alongside this dense administrative career, Christophe Bitasimwa Bahii has pursued a remarkable academic path. A former assistant and then head of works at the Université de Mweneditu, he is now an associate professor at the Kinshasa School of Business (Haute École de Commerce de Kinshasa) and also teaches at the Université Protestante au Congo and the Université Catholique du Congo, actively contributing to the education of the country’s future economic elites.
Kassongo Bin Nassor, President of the Chamber of Mines
Since April 3, 2025, Kassongo Bin Nassor has served as the new President of the Chamber of Mines of the Federation of Enterprises of Congo (FEC). Elected by acclamation during the elective General Assembly, his mandate is marked by institutional strengthening, transparency, strategic dialogue, and innovation, with the goal of making the Congolese mining industry more competitive and sustainable.
A seasoned professional in the mining sector, Kassongo Bin Nassor currently serves as Senior Advisor in charge of Special Projects at Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM), following over 18 years of career experience within the company. He notably held the position of General Manager in charge of Government Affairs for nearly fifteen years, managing relationships with Parliament, the government, public administration, civil society, and local communities, while handling sensitive governance and litigation matters.
Recognized as an expert in mining governance, government relations, and sustainable development, he has worked for nearly two decades to promote a mining sector that balances investment attractiveness, social responsibility, and inclusive development. Since 2010, he has served on the executive committee of EITI-DRC (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative), representing the private mining industry in the multi-stakeholder dialogue on resource transparency.
His career is also marked by historic engagement within the FEC, where he served as director and board member for twelve years, contributing to major reforms in the natural resources sector and improving the business climate. Additionally, Kassongo Bin Nassor has held strategic positions in the public sphere, including Chief of Staff to the President of the Congolese National Assembly (2003–2006) and political and communications advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Benjamin Katabuka, Country Director of KoBold Metals
In March 2025, Benjamin Katabuka was appointed Country Director of KoBold Metals, the American junior mining company backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos. This was a strategic appointment, as the company had not yet begun any operational activity in the DRC but had ambitions regarding the Manono lithium deposit, considered a potential large-scale, long-term production site. This deposit represents KoBold’s central stake in the country, beyond its copper and cobalt exploration licenses.
A lawyer by training and a deep expert in the Congolese mining ecosystem, Benjamin Katabuka has over fifteen years of experience at the intersection of law, operations, and institutional relations. Before joining KoBold Metals, he served as General Manager in the DRC for C. Steinweg Bridge, a global company specializing in raw material logistics, including storage, handling, shipping, and transit.
His operational and strategic career is closely linked to industry leaders. He was General Manager in the DRC for Phelps Dodge, the American copper giant, and spent over eight years at Tenke Fungurume Mining, where he successively held positions as Senior Legal Advisor, FCPA Compliance Officer (U.S. anti-corruption law), Customs and Clearance Manager (Global Supply Chain), and Logistics & Infrastructure Project Manager, developing high-level expertise in high-risk environments.
Benjamin Katabuka also worked at Freeport-McMoRan in strategic development and began his career in renowned law firms and institutions in Geneva, including Hogan & Hartson and Martin Davidoff Fivaz & Associés, before serving as corporate counsel for Geneva public transport, consolidating his international expertise.
Ignace Mabanza, Chairman of Equity BCDC
On February 3, 2025, Equity Banque Commerciale du Congo (EquityBCDC) announced the appointment of Ignace Mabanza Meti as Chairman of the Board of Directors. An experienced banker and prominent figure in the Congolese banking sector, he has amassed over 37 years of a career marked by strategic responsibilities and successes both nationally and internationally.
He began his career in 1987 at Banque Commerciale du Congo (BCDC), then joined Citibank DRC in 1988, where he progressively rose through the ranks to become General Manager in 1998. He also served as Interim Chairman of the Board and Executive Director, consolidating his expertise in bank governance and strategic management. In 2008, he joined Access Bank PLC in Nigeria, participating in the establishment of its Kinshasa subsidiary in 2009, before serving as General Manager and then Chairman of the Board, playing a central role in stabilizing, growing, and digitalizing the bank, while improving the customer experience.
Returning to the DRC, in April 2020, he became an independent director on the BCDC Board, then actively participated in the merger with Equity Bank Congo (DRC) to create EquityBCDC. He chaired the Audit Committee until December 2024, demonstrating his expertise in governance, compliance, and internal control.
Trained at the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium), Ignace Mabanza Meti holds an MBA (Master of Business Administration), a degree in political and administrative sciences, and a degree in applied economics.
Monique Gieskes, Awarded for Transformational Leadership
In February 2025, Monique Gieskes, General Manager of Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), was honored with the “Special African Business Leadership Commendation Award”, presented by African Leadership Magazine during the 14th edition of the Personalities of the Year Awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates African leaders who are able to turn challenges into opportunities and shape the continent’s future through their influence and commitment.
After starting her career as an industrial property agent, Monique Gieskes launched the Vlisco Group in the DRC and oversaw the company’s brand protection operations in 12 countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe, including the headquarters in the Netherlands.
A pioneer and committed leader, she was also the first woman to chair the United Nations Global Compact in the DRC, a UN initiative encouraging companies to adopt socially responsible governance, further cementing her role as a major figure in responsible leadership in Africa.
Rodrigue Katembo Mugaruka, International Conservation Award
Rodrigue Katembo Mugaruka, Deputy Director of Virunga National Park, was among the 13 recipients of the 2025 International Ranger Awards, presented on October 11, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, on the sidelines of the IUCN World Conservation Congress. This honor, awarded by the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), recognizes his exceptional courage and unwavering commitment to protecting Congolese lands against corruption and exploitation, in the service of nature conservation.
A former child soldier until the age of 14, Rodrigue Katembo escaped with the help of his mother and resumed his studies, eventually earning a master’s degree in biology.
In 2003, he became a park ranger at Virunga National Park, where he distinguished himself through his integrity and leadership, eventually becoming Chief of the Central Sector, an area coveted by oil companies. In 2011, he conducted an undercover investigation into attempts at corruption and illegal oil exploitation, which was documented in the film Virunga (2014), broadcast on Netflix. His actions led to the withdrawal of the oil company SOCO from the park and strengthened the protection of wildlife and local resources.
He continues to safeguard biodiversity against poaching, extractive industries, and militias. His leadership has enabled the reintroduction of elephants and the growth of zebra populations, while combating deforestation and illegal resource exploitation. In 2017, he was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize for his courage and extraordinary dedication.
Nathalie Kienga, Technology Diplomacy Award
Nathalie Kienga, Deputy Head of Cybersecurity at the Office of the President of the DRC and Founder of the African Institute of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security (I-CSSI), was awarded the Technology Diplomacy Award at the Women In Tech Africa Awards on Thursday, September 18, 2025. This distinction recognizes an exceptional career at the intersection of technology, sovereignty, and strategic influence.
Organized by Women In Tech South Africa, the ceremony celebrates female talent transforming the African digital ecosystem. Nathalie Kienga stood out for her steadfast commitment to a cyber-resilient Africa, capable of defending its interests, securing critical infrastructures, and asserting technological independence on the global stage, with the DRC as a strategic area of action.
Stéphane Kulimushi Mutanda, Global SDG Leader
Stéphane Kulimushi Mutanda was selected as one of the 17 Young Global Leaders 2025 for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a prestigious distinction awarded by the United Nations on the occasion of United Nations Day. A basketball player, coach, and social entrepreneur based in Uganda, he is the founder of the Refugee Basketball Academy (RBA), an initiative that uses basketball as a tool for social inclusion, providing young refugees and marginalized youth with much more than a playing field: a space for trust, mentorship, education, and hope.
Chosen from over 33,000 applications from more than 150 countries, Stéphane Kulimushi was one of five Africans selected in 2025, in recognition of the scope and impact of his work with vulnerable youth. His efforts perfectly illustrate how sports combined with education can become a sustainable driver of social change, fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda. His work embodies the leadership, resilience, and creativity of African youth.
Sheriya Twana, Best Revelation at FESPACO 2025
At the 29th edition of FESPACO in Ouagadougou, in February 2025, the film “Nails Man” by Sheriya Twana (also known as Jason Bolay) won the Idrissa Ouedraogo Award for Best Newcomer, presented by CANAL+. This distinction recognizes a promising new voice in African cinema, highlighting the talent of a Congolese director with growing influence.
Olivier Safari, President of the CAF Referees Commission
On October 17, 2025, former international referee and official of the Union of Central African Football Federations (UNIFFAC), Olivier Safari, was appointed President of the Referees Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Recognized for his integrity and professionalism, he will be tasked with raising standards, ensuring fairness, and strengthening the credibility of refereeing, from the Champions League to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nelson Makengo, Silver Stallion of Yennenga
In February 2025, filmmaker Nelson Makengo received the Silver Yennenga Stallion for his documentary “Tongo Saa / Rising Up at Night.” The film explores the challenges of access to electricity in Kinshasa and transforms darkness into a story of resilience, spirituality, and the struggle for life, highlighting the daily lives of communities facing energy deprivation.
Michée Kalengay Kabuima, Qatar Airways Culinary Program
In January 2025, Michée Kalengay, 27, was selected from among hundreds of graduates of the Capsicum Culinary Studio in South Africa to join the culinary elite of Qatar Airways through its subsidiaries Qatar Aircraft Catering Company (QACC) and Qatar Duty Free (QDF). Born in Kinshasa and passionate about Congolese cuisine, he modernizes traditional dishes such as liboke or cassava leaves, while working in facilities that serve 200,000 meals daily at Hamad Airport.
Derhwa Kasunzu, Samba Félix N’Diaye Award
Filmmaker Derhwa Kasunzu won the Samba Félix N’Diaye Award for Best First or Second Documentary for “Catcher” at the 29th edition of FESPACO. The film tells the story of Nyawunyawu, a former wrestler from Kisangani, transforming a personal journey into a symbol of Congolese resilience, confirming the emerging talent of Congolese documentary cinema.
Daniel Winny Kibambe, Best Social Entrepreneur of the DRC
On September 6, 2025, Daniel Winny Kibambe won the first prize at the 9th national edition of the Orange Social Entrepreneur Award in Africa and the Middle East (POESAM) for his project Muzikin Distribution, a digital platform that is revolutionizing the music industry in the DRC. It enables artists to monetize and distribute their content efficiently.
Moimi Wezam, Leyth Production Award at FESPACO 2025
Director Moimi Wezam received the Leyth Production Award at the 29th edition of FESPACO for his first feature-length documentary, “Nzonzing”, recognizing technical excellence in post-production. The film explores Kinshasa’s nightlife and the resilience of its residents in the face of power outages, highlighting the rising prominence of young Congolese filmmakers.
