At Alternative Worldwide, we imagine that an finish to poverty may be achieved inside our lifetime—however that dream is simply achievable if nice leaders select braveness and generosity over all else. Dikembe Mutombo is a type of leaders.
At this time, we be part of the world in mourning and reflection for the unbelievable legacy of a person who remodeled thousands and thousands of lives. A longtime pal of former Alternative Worldwide CEO AT Tsibaka and member of Alternative’s Board of Advisors, Dikembe’s ardour and private mission to broaden alternative for his dwelling nation straight contributed to our presence within the DRC right now.
Lengthy earlier than his legendary NBA profession, Dikembe was deeply accustomed to the challenges of life in Kinshasa, the place he lived a life much like the individuals we serve day by day—promoting bread, soda, and cheese in native markets to assist himself and pay for his training. These early experiences formed his resolve to provide again and create a greater future for others.
In 2007, Dikembe based the Dikembe Mutombo Basis, which broadened his affect on the world and deepened his dedication to his dwelling nation. By means of his basis, Dikembe constructed hospitals, colleges, and financial alternative for his fellow Congolese. His affect within the DRC was pivotal within the institution of our first microfinance financial institution in Kinshasa, only a few hundred meters from the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, named in honor of Dikembe’s mom.
It’s no coincidence that these two establishments had been neighbors. Dikembe knew that well being, financial empowerment, and monetary inclusion are essentially interconnected. He understood that by offering entry to those important assets, we might remodel not simply people, however total communities.
Upon the opening of Alternative Financial institution DRC, Dikembe captured the essence of our partnership. “Alternative Worldwide provides the individuals of Africa hope,” Dikembe stated. “As a Congolese native, I’m proud to see Alternative Worldwide’s dream of bringing a financial institution to the DRC grow to be a actuality and a supply of hope for the working poor.”
Since 2011, our efforts have launched over $82 million in capital for smallholder farmers, lecturers, faculty proprietors, and microbusiness house owners—impacting the lives of over 110,000 Congolese households and half one million youngsters. This extraordinary affect wouldn’t have been attainable with out Dikembe’s imaginative and prescient and coronary heart.
He was, and can all the time be, a real champion for the poor—a person who devoted his life to lifting up those that are too typically left behind.
“To eradicate poverty, all of us have to do our half,” he as soon as stated. “I imagine that microfinance banking and entry to financial savings accounts is the one means that Africa will emerge from poverty.”
We honor Dikembe’s legacy and his profound love for his nation. Could his reminiscence be a blessing, and will his dream of an Africa free from poverty encourage us all to proceed his work.