April 16, 2026 —Kinshasa came alive with elegance and international dialogue during the gala evening marking the 4th edition of Canadian Week. Organized in a spirit of celebration and economic partnership, the event brought together decision-makers, entrepreneurs, institutional partners, and civil society actors around a shared ambition: to strengthen ties between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Canada.
In an atmosphere that was both formal and convivial, the evening highlighted inspiring journeys led by women and men committed to economic, social, and environmental transformation. Through their respective initiatives, these stakeholders are building lasting bridges between the two countries while promoting innovation, responsibility, and impact.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the “Builder” Trophy, awarded to three individuals for their significant contributions. Mr. Lomami, representing the Congolaise Computer Community, stood out for his commitment to digital development and strengthening local capacities. Ms. Fanny Salmon, of Climate Sustainability Expertise, was recognized for her work in sustainability and ecological transition. Finally, Ms. Jessica Wébé, Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact DRC, was honored for her role in promoting corporate responsibility and sustainable development principles.
The recognition of female leadership, with two women among the award recipients, was a defining moment of the evening, illustrating the growing role of women in transformation and governance dynamics.
In his remarks, Mr. Fabrice Ilunga, initiator of Canadian Week, expressed his gratitude to the technical and financial partners whose support made this edition possible. He also commended the strong participation, emphasizing the importance of such platforms in fostering collaboration and encouraging high-impact initiatives.
Beyond the awards, the evening provided a valuable space for networking and exchange, facilitating the creation of synergies between public and private sector actors. It reaffirmed the role of Canadian Week as a dynamic platform for economic dialogue and international cooperation. Through this edition, the organizers reiterated their commitment to promoting a DRC–Canada partnership grounded in innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development, in service of shared opportunities.
By Kilalopress