The Future Is Kongo: Recent Episodes
BALILI
From London Heathrow to Kinshasa N’djili. If I had known that my 3 week holiday would turn into an 11 month stay, would I have still boarded that plane? Yes. This podcast invites guests from the diaspora now living, working or doing business in The Kongo - The Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo and Angola. This podcast aims to share what I have learnt and am still learning about making the transition from the west. Together I want us to explore the endless opportunities there are, and relearn all things Kongo. I’m Balili.. and this is The Future Is Kongo.
What does Kinshasa look like? Are the working conditions good? Where can international tourists stay? What are the people like? How easy is it to get around and deal with traffic? These are just a few concerns and questions for anyone interested in visiting, living, working or investing in Kinshasa. In this episode, Balili shares insight from her one-year stay in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tune in to learn about Kinshasa's cost of living, housing, transportation, the nature of the Congolese people and the availability of necessary services.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
* DRC is not Kinshasa and Kinshasa is not DRC
* Gombe is Kinshasas’s international and wealthy community hub
* Kinshasa’s cost of living and why it may be an expensive city
* Housing is one of the first and most critical parts of your settlement in Kinshasa
* Having your own mode of transport is advisable for your peaceful stay in Kinshasa
* No two days are the same. Always expect the unexpected
* The warm personality of the Congolese
* The supermarkets are well established and available for your needs
ABOUT THE HOST
Balili, host of The Future Is Kongo podcast, found herself staying a whole year in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), after what was originally intended as a 3-week holiday (London Heathrow to Kinshasa N'djili). Her podcast explores the experiences of the diaspora and more, at different levels of entrepreneurship and industries. Balili aims to provide helpful information for those travelling to, working in or building a life in the DRC.
CONNECT & CONTACTEmail: balili@thefutureiskongo.com
Instagram: @thefutureiskongo
Subscriber-only episode
It's not what you know but who you know.
Email: balili@thefutureiskongo.com
Aline Lokoto, an ambitious, easy going and nurturing lady who talks us through how she started her initial business in Kinshasa within 4 months of arriving and how she now manages her businesses from the UK. Aline depicts her experience of the private education system in the DRC, from the perspective of a Mother and Teacher. Aline concludes by sharing light into her continuous plans in investing and building a life in the DRC.
Baraka Rumamba is an investor passionate about fundraising in the niche segment of the Congolese Diaspora. He graduated in Accounting and Economics from Southampton University and presently leads the investment committee of the Sarah Bonnell Foundation for which he also serves as a trustee. Baraka seats on the board of the London Community Credit Union, East London’s biggest financial co-operative, as well as the board of 198 Contemporary Art and Learning, London's oldest black-owned gallery.
N.B. This episode has glitches. We apologise for the disruption and have made note on how to avoid for future recordings. Thank you.
Ruben Luabeya, an electrical engineer from The United States, born and raised in The Democratic Republic of Congo, reveals how and why he entered the Renewable Energy sector from the US, to now becoming Head of Business Development in the DRC. Luabeya depicts his 2 years of experience since being back in the DRC including; housing, electricity and his perseverance to build a life in the DRC.
Amba Linda, a Congolese-British talks us through her account of living in Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo for the past 6 months. The conversation focuses on the questions, concerns and struggles of females from the diaspora.