In a ceremony held on September 20 in Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the foundations Jéthro Muyombi and JOKAL awarded funding to three young entrepreneurs who emerged victorious in the second edition of the "Fais Briller Ton Talent" innovative project competition. The event marked a significant milestone in the initiative to support young entrepreneurs in the region. The three winners, Olivier Ngoleshanga, Noëlla Malangu, and Eben-Ezer Tshila, received financial backing to further develop their projects.
The competition, which drew over 3,000 project submissions, aimed to identify innovative and feasible projects that could benefit from financial support. After a rigorous selection process, 20 projects were shortlisted, and the three winners were ultimately chosen. The foundations' partnership with the competition underscores their commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth in the region. By providing funding and support, the foundations hope to enable the winners to turn their ideas into successful ventures.
The first laureate, Olivier Ngoleshanga, expressed his gratitude for the funding, highlighting the challenges he faced in his field. He pledged to provide regular updates on the progress of his project, ensuring transparency and accountability. Noëlla Malangu, the second winner, praised the competition's transparent process and encouraged young people to start small and not wait for significant funding to launch their ventures. She shared her own experience of starting with a modest investment and growing her business over time.
Eben-Ezer Tshila, the third winner, welcomed the funding, stating that it would enable him to move forward with his project. He thanked the foundations Jéthro Muyombi and JOKAL for their support, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and progress in entrepreneurship. Freddy Nkulu, secretary permanent of the Jéthro Muyombi Foundation, addressed the ceremony on behalf of the foundation's president, urging the winners to persevere despite potential challenges and to view failures as opportunities for growth.
Hervé Tshibangu, national coordinator of the JOKAL foundation, revealed that over 3,000 projects were submitted, but many were redundant or lacked a clear purpose. He emphasized that the selected projects had to be "bancable" and feasible, ensuring that they could be successfully implemented with the provided funding. Tshibangu also cautioned the winners about the responsibility that came with receiving funding, urging them to manage their resources wisely.
The partnership between the foundations Jéthro Muyombi and JOKAL has been instrumental in supporting young entrepreneurs in the region. By providing funding and resources, the foundations aim to empower the next generation of business leaders and contribute to economic growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The initiative is expected to continue in other provinces, offering opportunities for young entrepreneurs to access funding and support.
The "Fais Briller Ton Talent" competition has become a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and access funding. The foundations' support has not only provided financial backing but also recognition and encouragement for the winners. As the initiative continues to grow, it is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and society in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Key points
- The foundations Jéthro Muyombi and JOKAL awarded funding to three young entrepreneurs in Lubumbashi.
- The competition drew over 3,000 project submissions, with 20 projects shortlisted for further evaluation.
- The winners received financial backing to further develop their projects, with the foundations emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible management of resources.
