Bridging theory and practice: TradExpert Team welcomes UPN translation students

On Wednesday, June 6, 2025, TradExpert Team — a professional language services agency — had the honor of welcoming a group of third-year students (L3 LMD) from the School of Translation and Interpretation at the Université Pédagogique Nationale (UPN). This educational visit, supervised by Senior Lecturer Mr. Mvwala C. Katshinga, was part of the students’ practical training program aimed at exposing them to the realities of the translation and interpreting profession.

A Meaningful Return to Roots

TradExpert Team was chosen to kick off the series of site visits for a special reason: its General Manager, Mr. Eloge Mulumba — a certified translator and interpreter — is an alumnus of the very same school. His journey from student to seasoned language professional and entrepreneur served as both a symbolic and inspiring connection for the visiting students.

Insight, interaction, and inspiration

The visit brought together eight students — six women and two men — at the company’s offices located on Route de Matadi, Espace S Building, in the Mont-Ngafula commune. After introductory remarks by Mr. Mvwala, the session featured a presentation of the agency by Mr. Mulumba, followed by a dynamic Q&A session.

This moment offered the students a closer look at real-world practices in the language industry: how an agency operates, what clients expect, how multilingual projects are managed, and the ethical and technological considerations involved in handling sensitive data.

“The translator is the client’s brain”

In one of the most striking moments of the day, Mr. Mulumba defined the translator as “the brain of others.” In his words, the translator is paid to comprehend information on behalf of the client and accurately convey it — whether in written or spoken form. This demands not only linguistic skills, but also broad general knowledge, precision, and a deep commitment to continuous learning.

He urged the students to cultivate self-confidence and professional discipline, emphasizing that success in this field comes from both skill and mindset. “Don’t undervalue yourselves. A person is ultimately the result of their own discernment,” he noted. He also stressed the importance of mastering working languages to near-native fluency, especially in a market like the DRC, where client expectations are growing and becoming more complex.

AI is here — But so is our future

In response to a common concern among young professionals, Mr. Mulumba addressed the role of artificial intelligence in the future of translation. His take was optimistic and grounded in local realities: “Translators in the DRC still have a strong future. Machines won’t replace us anytime soon — they can’t understand our context or the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the Congo.”

He emphasized that the true future of Congolese translators lies in the national languages, many of which are still underrepresented or entirely absent from digital language tools.
Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo, Tshiluba — and more — represent both a challenge and a unique opportunity for translators who are ready to build linguistic bridges where AI can’t yet go. “Anyone who masters a national language and can pair it with French, English, or another global language holds real strategic power,” he said.

Facing challenges with resilience

Mr. Mulumba also addressed some of the professional challenges in the local market, including limited access to reliable electricity, internet connectivity, and digital tools. He pointed out that many freelance translators fall short not because of lack of talent, but because of digital illiteracy or lack of resources. He encouraged the students to start planning now to acquire their own equipment — not as a luxury, but as a necessary investment in professional independence.

A bridge between knowledge and practice

By opening its doors to aspiring language professionals, TradExpert Team reaffirms its commitment to the development of the translation and interpreting sector in the DRC. This visit was not just an academic field trip — it was a moment of intergenerational transmission. Through this initiative, the agency seeks to inspire, guide, and remind young people that beyond words, this profession is built on values, competence, and courage.