BEN M’POKO Know Your Envoy
D R C A M B A S S A D O R T O S A A N D D E A N O F D I P L O M AT I C C O R P S Briefly tell us about your background leading up to your current position? I studied in the USA and hold a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Economics and a second in International Finance. I subsequently worked for Citi Bank in New York for 12 years and thereafter joined the World Bank as a consultant for five years. I then served the UN Development Programme for 15 years which included moving to SA
South Africa. One of the trainees, Gabi Magamola who now heads African Bank has written a book in which I am mentioned. At the UN, one of my highlights was meeting Nelson Mandela soon after his release from prison in 1990. My senior at the time Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (now Liberian President) and I were charged with the responsibility of speaking to him about whether or not sanctions against SA should be
I am ambassador in the country that has the biggest number of Congolese in the diaspora anywhere in the world. We have a large number of students as well as a varied number of professionals including geologists, lecturers and business people. There are about 500 Congolese doctors in SA. We also have a number of economic refugees in the country. That said, my biggest
“We recently signed an agreement with SA to develop the biggest hydro-electric dam in the world producing enough electricity for the continent’s needs.”
in 1995 to open the UNDP offices here. In 2001, I was appointed DRC’s ambassador to SA. What have been the highlights of your career so far? When I was at Citi Bank, there were only four Africans who were serving in the banking industry at the level of ‘Vice President’. In that position, I met quite a number of world leaders, some of whom wanted me to be their personal banker. I also created a special programme at the bank to train young black South Africans in anticipation of a free
38
EXPATRIATE
lifted. I still remember his response: “Just because I am free does not mean SA is free.” As ambassador, it was a momentous occasion when my president asked me to assist in setting up the Inter Congolese dialogue at Sun City. It is because of that process that DRC has peace today. Finally, I was selected by Prince Charles to serve on his advisory board for the conservation of the world’s forests.
challenge is the bridge between DRC and SA. It is like a highway with four lanes heading to DRC and only one coming back this way. The challenge is to address this trade imbalance. What does being the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps entail? The position of dean is accorded to the longest serving ambassador in the country. My responsibility is to express the common views of the diplomatic