CDIS 2021

Reimagining Diaspora Engagement Through Technology

Opening Keynote – Mohombi – Artist, Musician, Entrepreneur

Grammy Award Winning artist, Mohombi, shared his insights on the role and impact of technology and networking in his career and for the diaspora at large.

  • As an artist, musician and entrepreneur, Mohombi relies on technology, social networks and innovation in all of his endeavors and projects. Technology has been a transformative tool.
  • Mohombi applauded CDIS’s important work in organizing and connecting the Congolese diaspora through technology, in addition to providing a network for this community to share information, resources and learn from one another. 
  • This type of connection and networking is critical. It permits those that follow in our footsteps to avoid repeating the mistakes of previous generations.

Panel 1 – Social Welfare Through Tech Disruption

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the importance of being tech-savvy and having access to a reliable internet connection, regardless of one’s location on the globe. Technology is rapidly reshaping the world, and it is imperative for Congolese and those in the diaspora to understand how to gain access to careers in the tech industry, provide mentorship for future generations interested in tech careers, while also being practical about solving healthcare, education and business challenges through technology. 

  • Experts of Congolese descent in tech must be proactive about opening doors, share their stories with the larger community, in addition to becoming mentors. Representation matters. Networking and sharing professional development resources is critical to facilitate the entry of more tech professionals of Congolese descent in the future, especially as this sector relies on the DRC for its natural resources.
  • One does not need to have an explicit background in science or technology to work in tech. There are many career opportunities in the space. One can be a writer, a designer, a recruiter, an accountant as examples.
  • Gender equity and equality within the larger community is essential to capitalize on the gains of tech disruption, particularly those focused on social welfare. There are few women of Congolese descent in the tech pipeline, and the way to change that is through mentorship, proactively reaching out to women, and letting them know about career opportunities in the space. 

Fireside Chat: Congolese Influencing Sports, Culture & Media

In recent years, there has been increased visibility of individuals of Congolese descent across sports, culture, media in Congo and abroad. Such individuals have leveraged social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and personal websites to promote their own brands, sell services and goods, or inform audiences through impactful journalism. These digital channels have provided ample opportunities for this collective to make a sizable impact on their bottom line and their communities through sports, fashion and the arts, and journalism, as examples.

  • It is important to focus on the quality of the content, knowing the audience that you want to engage, and identifying the appropriate digital platform to ensure sustained engagement with potential consumers and customers. 
  • Content creators who want to monetize their products must have a strategy and a vision. It is equally important to be well networked as well, having many followers on social media is not enough
  • Concerning disinformation and misinformation, it is essential to have credible and reputable news sources in order to limit the effects of misinformation and disinformation, particularly during the time of COVID-19. That is why it is essential to support a free and credible press in Congo and Congolese diaspora communities to ensure that untruths are not spread. 

Panel 2 – Business and Entrepreneurship in the Diaspora

More professionals in the diaspora have embraced careers in entrepreneurship, both in the U.S. and the DRC. Pursuing this path requires risk-taking, having a strategy and vision, and grit. Developing a more favorable business ecosystem in the DRC specifically has been more challenging compared to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa–especially when considering the country’s economic and human potential. Despite this reality, the diaspora support can help foster a business and entrepreneurial climate that minimizes the risk of doing business in the Congo by relying on its wealth of talent, ideas, and technological tools.

  • Pursuing entrepreneurship as a career path requires preparation and research, in addition to identifying mentors and peers that can provide support and counsel. Networking and continuing to hone one’s skills through executive coaching services or other professional development programs can also be beneficial tools during the course of one’s career. 
  • Failure and mistakes in business will be inevitable, and that is why it is important to learn lessons quickly and focus on moving on.
  • Diaspora businesses that partner with established Congolese businesses can bring jobs of the future to Congo, which include tech jobs. 
  • As the scale of one’s operation increases, identifying capable managers in DRC-based businesses is critical. Creating internship programs or other pipeline programs in Congo could be a viable solution to this issue. There also needs to be a balance between providing employees already in the pipeline with an opportunity to be successful, while also managing the very real risks and challenges of operating a business in the DRC.

Breakout Room 1: Prosper Africa

Prosper Africa is a U.S. Government initiative to substantially increase two-way trade and investment between the United States and countries across the African continent. 

  • Prosper Africa offers the following:
    • Provides market insights so businesses and investors across Africa and the U.S. can learn about the economic opportunities available today and those emerging in the future.
    • Offers wide ranges of deal support services to help businesses and investors across the United States and the African continent identify partners, advance opportunities, and close deals.
    • Supports businesses and investors in securing financing through our resources gathered from 17 U.S. Government agencies.
    • Works with governments across the African continent to craft solutions that strengthen business climates.
  • Prosper Africa, with support from U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, GE signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of the DRC to develop infrastructure projects across the country. GE plans to invest at least $1.8 billion in energy projects over the next three years, which will add 1,000 megawatts of power to Congo’s grid.

Closing Keynote – Dr. Alain Mukwege – Panzi Foundation USA

The Panzi Hospital and Foundation, based in Bukavu, DRC, was founded by Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Dr. Denis Mukwege. Since 1999, Dr. Mukwege and his staff have helped to care for more than 50,000 survivors of sexual violence. His son, Dr. Alain Mukwege, is an advisory board member of Panzi Foundation USA and leads various initiatives and partnerships in the organization.

  • The Panzi Foundation mission is to help survivors of sexual violence get the healing, justice, community, and future they deserve.
  • The Congolese government cannot address all of these challenges alone, it’s important for Congolese in Congo and in the diaspora to be involved and help rebuild communities in eastern Congo impacted by decades of war.
  • There are key tech-related challenges that the diaspora can help address and solve. They include:
    • Setting-up a health insurance system for those who are not able to pay for healthcare 
    • Building an e-commerce platform where the women of Panzi can sell their arts, crafts and other products online in Congo and internationally
  • The diaspora has a breadth of expertise in science, education, and business, and the Panzi Foundation welcomes anyone who would like to use their skills to support Congolese women who have been directly impacted by decades of conflict and violence.