Kinshasa, Congo//-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, joins 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 of playing 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 socio-economic transformation of the DRC. This commitment reflects Rawbank’s desire to go “beyond a bank” by 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 awareness
To celebrate this historic anniversary, Rawbank is organising an exclusive talk show on October 30, the symbolic date of the match, to encourage Congolese youth to commit themselves to the country’s future.
The program will feature Congolese and international personalities such as journalist and producer Alain Foka, who will share his views on the central role of African youth in transforming societies. Comedian Nordine Ganso, with his humorous outlook, will evoke the importance of perseverance and courage in personal success, while storyteller Pie Tshibanda will tell tales of surpassing oneself in tribute to Muhammad Ali’s fighting spirit.
In parallel, an immersive exhibition with archivist, photographer and writer Baudoin Bikoko will plunge visitors into the world of the historic battle “The Rumble in the Jungle” and its repercussions for Congolese society 50 years on.
Photographs and stories will bring to life 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 far beyond the ring.
An opportunity to inspire and empower Congolese youth
As a complement to this event, Rawbank is creating a unique space for Congolese youth to express themselves in tribute to the values of perseverance and self-transcendence embodied by Muhammad Ali. Through an inspiring video in micro-trottoir format, young Congolese 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 inspire collective awareness.
Rawbank goes beyond this initiative by offering complementary personalised support, including mentoring sessions. These sessions will help young people transform their ideas and aspirations into concrete, sustainable projects with a positive impact on their community and on Congolese society as a whole.
Mustafa Rawji, Managing Director of Rawbank, said, “The 50th anniversary of the Rumble in the Jungle is not only an iconic moment in the history of the sport and the RDC, 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’s this lesson, so dear to Rawbank, that we want to pass on to young Congolese. We want to give them the tools to build a fairer, 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 has created some of the most legendary moments in sports and civil rights history. More than 60 years after he emerged as a Gold Medalist in Boxing at the 1960 Rome Olympics, Ali’s legacy extends beyond the ring, and he continues to be widely recognised as one of the most celebrated and beloved icons of all time.
His incomparable work ethic, signature boxing techniques, and fearlessness towards standing up for his beliefs all contribute to the legend that is Muhammad Ali. Among his countless awards and accolades, he was named Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsman 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 today’s most influential athletes, artists, musicians and humanitarians around the world. As a way to continue his legacy, he started the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2005 to create change, pursue justice and inspire greatness.
