Kinshasa, April 3, 2026 – Rawbank, the leading bank in the Democratic Republic of Congo, announces that its Chief Executive Officer, Mustafa Rawji, has been elevated to the rank of Ambassador of Positive Masculinity. This official distinction recognizes a sustained commitment to gender equality, responsible leadership, and social transformation, driven at the highest level of the bank.
Awarded as part of the National Day of Positive Masculinity, this recognition honors individuals whose career paths, integrity, and commitment contribute to the promotion of gender equality and the transformation of social norms. Mustafa Rawji has thus been named Laureate of the Engaged Men for Positive Masculinity Award and elevated to the rank of Ambassador of Positive Masculinity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This distinction also entrusts him with a one-year national mission within the Club of Ambassadors of Positive Masculinity.
Concrete actions to support women and drive change in practices
As early as 2018, Mustafa Rawji personally joined UN Women’s HeForShe movement. Building on this commitment, Rawbank adopted the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), embedding this requirement sustainably into its governance principles.
This strategic direction is fully reflected in concrete actions. Through the Lady’s First program, Rawbank supports thousands of women entrepreneurs by combining financing, training, and networking. Today, the bank supports more than 3,000 women entrepreneurs across the country, with tailored solutions designed to sustainably strengthen their businesses and structure their growth paths.
This dynamic is also deployed within the institution. Through She Leads, Rawbank contributes to the development of new female leadership pathways by involving female employees in strategic projects and decision-making bodies. Launched in 2024, this internal women’s leadership program supports the emergence of a new generation of women leaders within the bank.
Rawbank also acts to empower women with disabilities. In partnership with Caritas, the bank is implementing a program in Kinshasa and Mbuji-Mayi combining training, support, and tailored assistance to sustainably strengthen inclusion, economic autonomy, and the resilience of beneficiaries.
“While this distinction honors me, it also commits me. It reminds us that leadership must serve to advance society, create more opportunities for women, and promote, through concrete actions, a culture of respect, equality, and responsibility.” Mustafa Rawji, Chief Executive Officer of Rawbank
About RAWBANK
For 23 years, with total assets of USD 6.2 billion, Rawbank has been supporting the development of the Congolese economy. The leading bank in the DRC for 13 years, Rawbank offers the most modern products and services to its 500,000+ Corporate, SME, and Retail clients through a network of more than 100 branches across 19 provinces, a digital offering with Illicocash, online banking, and more than 320 ATMs.
