BESTINE KAZADI, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of International Cooperation and Francophonie, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Bestine Kazadi is the Deputy Minister to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for international cooperation and Francophonie in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She is also a lawyer, writer, activist, and business leader.
Born in Belgium, she grew up in the DRC before returning to Europe to study law. Upon her return to the DRC in 2002, she committed herself to promoting democracy and fundamental rights by founding the Bureau of Reflections and Congolese Studies (BREC). She also leads the Congolese Women’s Civil Society, promoting women’s leadership. An author of poems and short stories, she has also composed a peace anthem. Additionally, she was the first woman to preside over one of the DRC’s largest football clubs.