John Tshimanga Malumba, the committed voice of an African youth driving transformation
At just 25 years old, John Tshimanga Malumba embodies a generation of Africans who combine technical expertise, civic engagement, and strategic communication. From Kinshasa to the United Nations, this human rights communication specialist carries, with conviction, the aspirations of a youth determined to actively participate in the transformation of the continent.
Born in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, John Tshimanga Malumba grew up in a metropolis brimming with energy, challenges, and opportunities. It is in this global city that he completed his entire secondary education, obtaining his baccalaureate in 2016. Very early on, he nurtured a clear ambition: to contribute to the development of his country through sectors capable of driving sustainable economic transformation.
“From a very young age, I was driven by the desire to contribute to the development of my country through strategic sectors capable of sustainably transforming our economy.”
Development does not rely solely on technical mastery but also on the ability to mobilize, explain, raise awareness, and positively influence
Driven by this vision, he turned to the Faculty of Petroleum, Gas and Renewable Energies. Over six demanding years of study, he acquired strong technical training, convinced of the structuring role natural resources play in the continent’s future.
“Natural resources and energy constitute a major lever for Africa’s economic transformation, provided they are managed responsibly and innovatively.”
But along his journey, John realized that development does not rest solely on scientific expertise. He then chose to broaden his skill set by joining the Kinshasa Digital Academy, where he specialized in communication and digital transformation. This stage marked a turning point: it enabled him to connect technological innovation, digital strategies, and civic mobilization.
“Development does not rely solely on technical mastery but also on the ability to mobilize, explain, raise awareness, and positively influence social dynamics.”
Kinshasa is for me a land of hope, promise, and ambition
Kinshasa remains the foundation of his commitment. He sees it both as a mirror of Africa’s challenges and a reservoir of its potential. “Kinshasa is for me a land of hope, promise, and ambition.”
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum, Gas and Renewable Energies, John gradually built a hybrid profile at the crossroads of governance, digital innovation, and development. He strengthened his skills in project management, strategic communication, and innovation through several international programs.
His guiding thread has remained constant: designing and promoting concrete solutions for African youth.
Carrying the voice of youth at the United Nations
Today, John Tshimanga Malumba serves as a Communication Specialist at the United Nations – Human Rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A strategic role where information, advocacy, and pedagogy intersect.
“My role is to highlight actions carried out on the ground, strengthen the visibility of initiatives in favor of human rights, and develop strategic awareness campaigns.”
“Carrying the voice of Congolese and African youth means transforming their concerns into structured, audible, and credible messages.”
Through this function, he translates youth concerns into messages that resonate within institutional spaces. “Carrying the voice of Congolese and African youth means transforming their concerns into structured, audible, and credible messages.”
Intergenerational dialogues, digital communication, and the spotlighting of local initiatives: his work aims to position youth as a driving force for proposals.
Understanding anger to build responses
Faced with the Gen Z mobilizations observed in several African countries in 2025, John adopts a clear-eyed analysis. “These mobilizations reflect a profound aspiration for dignity, employment, social justice, and more inclusive governance.”
For him, the responses must be structural: quality education, entrepreneurship support, institutional transparency, and genuine political participation.
African youth are not asking for assistance; they are asking for opportunities and a fair framework to express their potential
“African youth are not asking for assistance; they are asking for opportunities and a fair framework to express their potential.”
A committed humanitarian, John contributes to the continent’s development through strategic communication and the promotion of human rights. He strives to shed light on issues of governance, access to rights, and civic engagement, while highlighting solution-driven initiatives.
His conviction runs deep: “The continent’s development will rest on a trained, responsible, innovative youth fully involved in the decisions shaping its future.”
At 25, John Tshimanga Malumba thus embodies a new generation of African leaders: technically skilled yet connected to social realities, institutional yet close to citizens, locally grounded yet driven by a resolutely pan-African vision.
