Eric Ntumba is a man on a mission: to bring change to the African continent.

His plan of action? To actively take part in impactful discussions, to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way, to be involved in his community, and above all, never to stop acquiring new knowledge.

 

This NWU alumnus is the head of Corporate, Private and Diaspora Banking at Procredit Bank in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

In July this year, Eric took part in the Africa France Young Leaders Programme, aimed at identifying and developing high-potential leadership in Africa and France. Only 20 young leaders were selected (from more than 600 applicants) for the 2017 programme.

 

The NWU & U caught up with Eric in Paris, where he was participating in the programme from 3 to 7 July.

 

What does it mean for you to have been chosen for this leadership programme?

 

I am very humbled. Being chosen for the programme serves as not only recognition of my professional track record thus far, but also as an acknowledgement of my relentless efforts to foster a culture of transformational and servant leadership.

 

You have accomplished a lot at the relatively young age of 34. What role do you see continuous leadership development playing with regard to young professionals such as yourself?

 

I view leadership training as an absolute necessity. Coupled with this is my belief that excellence is a duty and not an option. By continuously shaping my leadership skills, I am equipping myself to make an impactful difference in the lives of others, and to speak with authority for those without a voice.

 

What are your expectations of the programme?

 

Having taken part in the inaugural Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders in 2014, I am looking forward to doing a comparative analysis of the two learning programmes.

 

I am also excited about the prospect of peer-to-peer learning through my interaction with the other delegates.

I want to build a network of young like-minded leaders who will change the narrative on Africa.Take for example my home country, the DRC. Life in Kinshasa, the capital city, is great but it is tainted by rampant poverty and the current political turmoil and instability.

 

This was induced by the induced by the apparent attempt to cling to power of the outgoing president despite a clear constitutional clause prohibiting a third term in office.

The situation is tense and as a country we are hoping for the best because the DRC deserves better. In short: I hope that I will be able to build networks that will contribute to the efforts to stabilise and grow the region.

 

How do you manage a work-life balance?

 

I must admit that it is a challenge given the fact that I am heading up one of the fastest-growing business segments of the organisation where I work. It took almost two years to set up a Corporate Banking Department in a financial service provider that previously solely focused on retail, SME banking and microfinance. I worked an average of 75 hours a week in the first year, having to build the team and the office.

 

I achieve balance through practising sport during the week and dedicated family time during weekends. Sunday is our family day and we make the most of it by visiting new places, cruising on the Congo River, eating together or playing tennis.

 

Watch this video below to catch a glimpse of what happened at the Africa France Young Leaders Programme in Paris.