On October 18, 2024, the Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters of Congo (ATIPCO) held a pivotal virtual meeting hosted by active member Mineze Kwete Minga. The two-hour session, conducted on Google Meet, gathered professionals from the translation and interpreting sectors to discuss the current state of the profession in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and beyond. The primary objective was to deepen the understanding of key challenges and foster collaboration between professionals, institutions, and aspiring practitioners.
During the session, Éloge Mulumba, an ATIPCO member, expert at the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Kinshasa/Gombe, and Manager of the TradExpert Team, delivered a noteworthy presentation that he originally shared on International Translation Day, October 5. His talk, titled “The Current State of Translation in the World and the DRC,” provided a comprehensive overview of global trends, local challenges, and emerging opportunities for translators and interpreters in the DRC. Emphasizing the transformative role of new technologies, Mulumba urged professionals to embrace digital advancements while preserving the human and creative aspects of the profession. “We must view new technologies not as a threat but as an indispensable ally,” he advised, encouraging a proactive stance towards digital innovation.
A dynamic Q&A session followed the presentation. Mineze Kwete Minga inquired about safeguarding the profession amid the rise of technological tools and artificial intelligence. Mulumba responded by underscoring the importance of seeing these tools as partners rather than competitors, and highlighted the need for continuous training to harness these advancements effectively. Mr. Yulu then brought up the crucial issue of government involvement, stressing the importance of safeguarding sensitive information given the privileged access translators have to critical data. He advocated for ATIPCO to collaborate with authorities in establishing protective policies.
Mufuta Kadima raised a compelling question regarding the viability of national languages as a burgeoning industry, given the current limited market demand. He also emphasized the translator’s responsibility to ensure their profession contributes positively to society. Mulumba responded with a long-term vision, cautioning against a short-sighted approach that could undermine the profession’s future. He acknowledged the present low demand but pointed to the anticipated economic and industrial boom in the DRC as a catalyst for increased demand for translations not only into foreign languages but also into Congolese languages and dialects. Mulumba also highlighted the higher literacy rates in major urban centers, which would amplify the relevance of local languages. He called for robust legal frameworks to protect the profession and advocated for recovering lost revenue currently escaping state taxation in this sector.
The initiative was met with enthusiasm from participants, who expressed their appreciation for such efforts. Many members emphasized the need for ATIPCO to strengthen its role as a regulator and advocate for translators’ and interpreters’ rights in the DRC. The association is encouraged to position itself as a mentor for emerging professionals seeking guidance and support while establishing strong partnerships with local institutions and authorities. Some attendees expressed interest in joining the association, raising questions about membership terms and conditions. In response, ATIPCO representatives revealed that the membership process is under review to enhance accessibility and transparency and encouraged aspiring translators to stay updated on official communications.
ATIPCO is poised to become a key player in advancing the profession in the DRC. To fulfill its ambitions, the association must amplify its influence, serve as a central regulatory body, and ensure that all translators and interpreters in the country are adequately represented and supported. The DRC’s linguistic and cultural diversity demands an association that can meet its aspirations.
In conclusion, the virtual meeting was not just a success; it was a rallying call for ATIPCO to press forward with resolve, protect sector professionals, and position the DRC as a benchmark for language services. The collective commitment of members and aspiring practitioners demonstrates a shared vision to elevate the profession and make it a source of national pride.
