Overview
The DRC Private Sector Dialogue, Investing in the Heart of Africa will bring together the most influential companies and stakeholders from finance, technology, and infrastructure—three critical sectors driving investment and development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Hosted at the prestigious HILTON Kinshasa, it will serve as a platform to foster meaningful exchanges of ideas and strategies to unlock the country’s economic potential.
Through dynamic roundtable discussions, distinguished local and international speakers from the private sector will share key insights. Participants will explore the vast opportunities within the country, address challenges, and propose actionable solutions to navigate the investment landscape in the DRC. This collaborative forum will provide attendees with a holistic understanding of the current state of finance, technology, and infrastructure in the DRC, uncovering future trends and identifying strategic steps needed to drive sustainable growth and development in the region. Attending these events provides exclusive access to insights from decision-makers at leading companies driving the economic transformation.
Panel Discussion 1: Bridging Gaps: Project Financing and Digital Innovation for Financial Inclusion
A robust financial system is essential for connecting key players in any dynamic market. The discussion on the financial sector in the DRC will cover steps taken to provide banking services to the entire population, digital developments that facilitate transactions, and services offered to investors for securely placing and moving funds into the most profitable sectors. Additionally, the panel will explore the necessary measures to address challenges in local financing for both small and large projects, particularly those aimed at developing infrastructure and other critical sectors that drive economic growth.
Panel Discussion 2: Building the Future: The Critical Role of Infrastructure & Unlocking EESG Potential
This panel will examine the pivotal role of a robust financial system in driving infrastructure development—a critical foundation for the growth of key sectors such as energy, mining, agriculture, real estate, telecoms, and more in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Featuring speakers from the local economy, the discussion will provide valuable insights and successful business cases that highlight the opportunities and potential of investing in the DRC.
A key focus will be the integration of EESG principles (Economic, Environmental, Social, and Governance) to ensure sustainable and responsible investment practices aligned with the DRC’s long-term development goals. Panelists will explore the vast opportunities within these sectors, emphasizing the DRC’s potential to serve as a catalyst for economic progress in the entire region. They will also address challenges and barriers that need to be overcome. By fostering an open and forward-thinking dialogue, the panel aims to outline actionable strategies for building a strong foundation for investment and achieving sustainable, inclusive, and long-term economic transformation in the DRC.
Speakers
Rahim Dhrolia
President, Immorose
Rahim Dhrolia
President, Immorose
Rahim Dhrolia leads Vinmart Group’s portfolio in energy, infrastructure, real estate, agriculture, hospitality, and retail, driving economic growth and sustainability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Through Lualaba Power SA, he focuses on hydropower development, while also advancing solar initiatives across the country through other ventures. He oversees urban development via Immorose, CHIC, Maisons Super Development and A1 Builders, contributing to airports, government offices, and housing. His agricultural ventures, including Terra SPRL and African Milling Company Congo, enhance food security by strengthening value chains and reducing import dependency. Focused on innovation and local development, Dhrolia’s leadership has set benchmarks in quality, sustainability, and community impact, solidifying his role as a visionary business leader shaping the DRC’s future.
Jean Jacques Mukula
General Director, CAAF
Jean Jacques Mukula
General Director, CAAF
Jean Jacques Mukula is Managing Partner of Congo Auditing and Advisory Firm (CAAF). He's also held the role of President of the National Order of Chartered Accountants for the Haut-Katanga region and had a long career with PwC. He holds a master’s of finance from the University of Kinshasa.
Francesco De Musso De Musso
Managing Director, BGFIBank
Francesco De Musso De Musso
Managing Director, BGFIBank
Francesco De Musso has been the managing director of BGFIBank DRC since July 2021. He has over 20 years of experience in international finance, particularly in management, internal auditing, and banking risk management. He began his professional career in financial auditing at the Paris-based firm Mazars, then joined the banking division of General Electric as an audit team leader, later moving to the French banking group Banque Populaire Caisse d’Epargne as director of internal audit and director of risks. In 2013, he joined the BGFIBank Group as inspector general in charge of the control division before being appointed in 2016 as the Managing Director of BGFIBank Europe, the European subsidiary of the BGFIBank Group. He holds a master’s degree in banking and finance from Paris Dauphine University and a graduate degree from Paris Descartes University.
Eric Bemba
Country Manager, Yango DRC
Eric Bemba
Country Manager, Yango DRC
Eric Bemba graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Alabama. Passionate about technology and innovation, he launched several successful start-ups in 2019, focusing on e-commerce, logistics, and fintech in the DRC. He joined Yango as General Manager in Kinshasa in 2022. Since June 2023, he has also overseen operations in Congo-Brazzaville.
Khalil Al-American
CEO, Vodacom
Khalil Al-American
CEO, Vodacom
Khalil Al-Americani, a seasoned telecoms executive with over 20 years of experience, has served as CEO of Vodacom in the Democratic Republic of Congo since August 2021. A French civil engineer of Jordanian Lebanese descent, Khalil has spent 35 years in Africa, building a distinguished career with major telecom giants such as Vodafone, Zain, and Celtel. With expertise in telecoms and business transformation, Khalil has worked for 17 years in Africa and 6 years in the Middle East. He holds advanced executive qualifications from London Business School’s Advanced Management Program (2009) and Wits Business School. His extensive experience includes leading multi-billion-dollar enterprises through launches, restructuring, and rapid growth in emerging markets. An authentic, innovative, and proactive leader, Khalil is known for his strong ethical values and ability to thrive in complex environments. His collaborative approach and innovative problem-solving make him a highly effective executive, particularly in Africa’s high-potential market. Khalil is adept at optimizing costs without sacrificing strategic goals and is deeply committed to the growth and success of his teams.
Mohammed Bouhelal
DRC Managing Director, OpenAccess
Mohammed Bouhelal
DRC Managing Director, OpenAccess
Mohammed Bouhelal has a diverse career spanning various sectors, including semi-conductors manufacturing, telecommunications, and cybersecurity, with significant experience in the international telecom industry, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. He holds degrees in engineering from Tufts University and international commerce from universities in France and Algeria, along with a strategic leadership qualification from Cranfield School of Management.
Borja Cortés Martínez
Country Editor, The Business Year
Borja Cortés Martínez
Country Editor, The Business Year
Borja Cortés Martínez is Country Editor at The Business Year (TBY), with extensive editorial experience across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Throughout his career, he has led national research projects, conducted high-level interviews with government and business leaders, and coordinated the production of flagship publications in strategic markets. His work combines geopolitical and economic insight with clear, accessible storytelling, delivering value to both institutional stakeholders and the private sector.
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