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, to never stop acquiring new knowledge.

This alumnus of the North-West University (NWU) is the head of corporate, private and diaspora banking at Procredit Bank in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Earlier this year, Eric Ntumba (34) 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.

A humbling experience

According to Eric he is very humbled to have been selected for the programme. “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, “says Eric and explains that he views leadership training as an absolute necessity.

Coupled with this is his belief that excellence is a duty and not an option. By continuously shaping his leadership skills, he is equipping himself to make an impactful difference in the lives of others, and to speak with authority for those without a voice.

In 2014 Eric took part in the inaugural Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, hosted in Washington DC and – according to him – his participation in the Africa France Young Leaders Programme afforded him the opportunity to do a comparative analysis of the two prestigious learning programmes. For Eric the essential value of both programmes is the peer-to-peer learning through interaction with other delegates. He explains the importance of a network of young like-minded leaders especially on the African continent, by referring to his 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.”

Maintaining a work-life balance

Although maintaining a work-life balance requires pro-active planning and commitment – as Eric heads up one of the fastest-growing business segments of the Procredit Bank and works an average of 75 hours a week – he achieves balance through practicing sport and spending quality time with his family. “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.”

Snippets

• Eric, as a former Student Representative Council (SRC) chairperson, was at the forefront of negotiations when the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education merged with the University of the North West in 2003.
• He holds a BSc degree in information technology from the NWU’s campus in Vanderbijlpark.
• Eric received the University Council’s award for Outstanding Leadership and Services rendered to the campus community during his term as SRC chairperson.
• He completed a master’s degree in public administration from the prestigious French School of Administration, where he also represented students on the Administrative Council.
• In 2013 he was one of the first recipients of the coveted NWU Alumni Awards of Excellence .

 NWU alumnus Eric Ntumba in Paris, attending the Africa France Young Leaders Programme.