On the sidelines of the December 19 Council of Ministers, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo was honored at the 3rd edition of the TROPHÉE TOMBWAMA, which each year rewards outstanding initiatives in the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure. Twenty-three other individuals and institutions were also honored for their contribution to the country's development.
President of the Republic Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo received the prestigious Grand Builder Award at the 3rd edition of the TROPHÉE TOMBWAMA, held on December 14 at the Panorama Room of the Hôtel Fleuve Congo in Kinshasa. The distinction was presented to him by Julien Paluku Kahongya, Minister of Foreign Trade, in the presence of the Trophy's coordinator, journalist Aimé Mutombo. Meaning "Development" in Lingala, the TROPHÉE TOMBWAMA has, since 2023, rewarded outstanding initiatives by public and private actors in the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure in the DRC.
The 3rd edition, held under the theme "Building now for a thriving Congo," honored twenty-three laureates for their commitment to the country's development. President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi was praised for his vision and leadership in public policies for infrastructure construction and renovation. Aimé Mutombo paid tribute to the Head of State as a "Grand Builder," highlighting his efforts to sustain development despite the war that has affected eastern DRC for more than thirty years.
A strong commitment to education and infrastructure
Despite the security challenges, notably the occupation of Uvira by Rwandan troops and the AFC-M23, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi continued his construction and renovation program. 2025 saw the emergence of new infrastructure and the creation of national universities, including the campus of the Official University of Mbuji-Mayi (UOM), inaugurated on October 6. Three other universities in Kananga, Bunia and Kolwezi are about to open.
Awards for every kind of talent
In addition to the President of the Republic, several individuals and institutions were honored. The Honor Award was given to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, for her fieldwork and attention to infrastructure; Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, Minister of Communication, for his media leadership and his fight against "Congo bashing"; and Julien Paluku Kahongya, for implementing policies favoring foreign trade and economic diversification.
The Breakthrough Award went to John Banza, Minister of Infrastructure, for his direct involvement on the ground. The Excellence Award was granted to Deputy Minister of Budget Elysée Bokumuana Maposo, Governors Fifi Masuka Saini (Lualaba) and Johnny Luboya Nkashama (Ituri), Major-General Jean-Pierre Kasongo Kabwik, DGI Director General Barnabé Muakadi Muamba, APCSC Director General Freddy Yodi Shembo, and SICOMINES, for their significant contribution to infrastructure development.
The Builder Award was given to Alice Mirimo, Nico Nzau Nzau and HE XIUYI, for their role in building basic infrastructure as well as national and provincial roads. The Jury's Special Award was presented to Ibrahim Issaoui, CEO of Groupe SOCIMEX, for his leadership and financing of infrastructure projects across the country. Finally, the Godmother Award was granted to Véronique Kashala Wetunganyi, for hosting and organizing the 3rd edition of the Trophy at Restaurant 19.
"Tombwama," a symbol of development
The TROPHÉE TOMBWAMA is divided into several categories, namely: Honor Award, Excellence Award, Builder Award, Jury's Special Award, Breakthrough Award, Emulation Award and Godmother Award, while the Grand Builder Award remains a special category on its own.
Each award rewards efforts in different fields, but all aim to drive sustainable development in the DRC. Since its creation in 2023, the Trophy has established itself as an annual event celebrating the best infrastructure initiatives. The 4th edition is already in preparation, reinforcing the Trophy's ambition to become a lasting showcase for the DRC's development.
Source: africanewsrdc.net