50 years after “The Rumble in the Jungle,” Rawbank honors Muhammad Ali’s legacy by launching initiatives to support Congolese youth.
Kinshasa, October 28, 2024 – On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the legendary fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, Rawbank, the leading bank in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is partnering with this historic event to reaffirm its commitment to Congolese youth. Beyond the ring, this fight, which took place in Kinshasa on October 30, 1974, has become a universal symbol of resilience, perseverance, and leadership—values that Rawbank places at the heart of its actions.
These initiatives are part of Rawbank’s We Act program, designed to support young Congolese people and offer them concrete ways to play an active role in the country’s development. Through We Act, Rawbank encourages entrepreneurship, training, and leadership to foster the emergence of a new generation of leaders committed to the DRC’s socioeconomic transformation. This commitment reflects Rawbank’s desire to go “beyond a bank,” asserting itself as a key player in social change and progress in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
An exclusive talk show and an immersive exhibition to raise public awareness.
To celebrate this historic anniversary, Rawbank is organizing an exclusive talk show on October 30, the symbolic date of the match, to encourage Congolese youth to commit to the country’s future. The show will bring together Congolese and international figures such as journalist and producer Alain Foka, who will share his perspective on the central role of African youth in transforming societies. Comedian Nordine Ganso, with his humorous perspective, will explore the importance of perseverance and courage in personal success, while storyteller Pie Tshibanda will tell stories of self-improvement in tribute to Muhammad Ali’s fighting spirit.
At the same time, an immersive exhibition featuring archivist, photographer, and writer Baudoin Bikoko will immerse visitors in the world of the historic battle “The Rumble in the Jungle” and its impact on Congolese society 50 years later. Photographs and stories will relive the atmosphere of Kinshasa in 1974, revealing the lasting influence of this event on Congolese culture and society through the testimonies of historians. By revisiting the exploits and courage of Muhammad Ali, this exhibition tells the story of a man who inspired generations and continues to embody profound values of transformation, well beyond the ring.
An opportunity to inspire and empower Congolese youth
In addition to this event, Rawbank is creating a unique space for Congolese youth to express themselves, paying homage to the values of perseverance and self-improvement embodied by Muhammad Ali. Through an inspiring video interview, young Congolese people will share their vision of what Muhammad Ali represents, a symbolic figure of ambition and resilience. The project aims to encourage reflection on these ideals and raise collective awareness.
Rawbank goes beyond this initiative by offering additional personalized support, including mentoring sessions. These sessions will help young people transform their ideas and aspirations into concrete and sustainable projects, with a positive impact on their community and Congolese society as a whole.
Mustafa Rawji, Chief Executive Officer of Rawbank, said: “The 50th anniversary of the Rumble in the Jungle is not only an iconic moment in the history of sport and the DRC, but a reminder that every obstacle can become an opportunity for transformation. As Muhammad Ali demonstrated, true victory lies in the power of the mind. It is this lesson, so dear to Rawbank, that we want to pass on to young Congolese people. We want to give them the tools to build a fairer and more prosperous future, with the support of a bank that firmly believes in their potential.
About Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is one of the most influential athletes and humanitarians of the 20th century and created some of the most legendary moments in sports and civil rights history. More than 60 years after winning the gold medal in boxing at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Ali’s legacy extends beyond the ring, and he continues to be widely recognized as one of the most celebrated and beloved icons of all time.
His unparalleled work ethic, iconic boxing techniques, and fearlessness in standing up for his beliefs contribute to the legend that is Muhammad Ali. Among his countless awards and accolades, he has been named Sports Illustrated’s “Athlete of the Century,” GQ’s “Athlete of the Century,” a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Amnesty International Lifetime Achievement Award. Muhammad Ali’s legacy is celebrated across cultures and continues to inspire the world’s most influential athletes, artists, musicians, and humanitarians. To perpetuate his legacy, he established the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2005 to inspire change, pursue justice, and inspire greatness.
Follow Muhammad Ali on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.
About Rawbank
For 22 years, with total assets of $5 billion, Rawbank has supported the development of the Congolese economy. The leading bank in the DRC for 12 years, Rawbank offers cutting-edge products and services to its more than 500,000 clients (businesses, SMEs, and individuals) through a network of over 100 branches across 19 provinces, a digital offering with Illicocash, an online bank, and more than 250 ATMs.
Its work has been recognized with the 2022 and 2024 African Bankers Award for Best Regional Bank in Central Africa, a Moody’s CAA 1 rating, and ISO/IEC 20000 and ISO/IEC 27001 certifications. RAWBANK’s partners include the IFC, AfDB, TDB, BADEA, Shelter Africa, AGF, and others.
Partners who have placed their trust in RAWBANK include: AfDB, AGF, IFC, BADEA, Shelter Africa and TDB.