ICTSI Foundation, MGT collaborate on community development initiatives in D.R. Congo

 
 
Matadi Gateway Terminal (MGT) and ICTSI Foundation Inc. (IF), jointly conducted a week-long engagement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focusing on community development. Timothy Jeannin, MGT managing director and Filipina Laurena, IF executive director, spearheaded the engagement, highlighting the company’s ongoing community relations and corporate social responsibility efforts.

MGT and IF met with various stakeholders in both Kinshasa and Matadi, including the Ledya Group, the University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Ntetembwa College, Kinkanda General Hospital, and Kiamvu General Hospital. A meeting with Ledya Group President M. Jean Lengo emphasized the relevance of the tripartite partnership comprising the MGT, and the latter’s crucial presence in Matadi, as a key seaport along the Congo River. 

On July 16, Mr. Jeannin and Ms. Laurena, joined UNIKIN student representatives in a forum exploring academic collaboration. MGT offers internships to UNIKIN students, with plans to formalize the partnership through a memorandum of understanding. Florian Masaki, MGT deputy managing director, noted the company’s interest in targeted recruitment and talent development as part of its broader sustainability initiatives.

On July 17, MGT and the Foundation inaugurated a newly constructed basketball court at Ntetembwa College, which caters to more than 250 students and is managed by the De La Salle Brothers. The ribbon-cutting-ceremony was led by Ms. Laurena together with a representative from the Provincial Ministry of Sports.  Designed for both basketball and future inter-school events, the court demonstrates MGT’s support for youth development through sports. The event culminated with an exhibition game between female student teams, with Mr. Jeannin making the first official ball toss.  This was followed by a reception attended by local officials and school representatives.

MGT has also supported infrastructure improvements at Kinkanda and Kiamvu General Hospitals, and is the only private company working with education and health institutions in the area.

These engagements align with the IF’s development framework and reinforce MGT’s contribution to community welfare and youth development in the region.