Julien Paluku Kahongya is a Congolese politician, currently serving as Minister of International Trade of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a position he has held since May 2024.
Prior to his current position, he served as Minister of Industry from 2019 to 2024, during which time he promoted the country's industrial revival through ambitious policies such as the creation of Special Economic Zones.
From 2007 to 2018, he led the province of North Kivu as governor, in a particularly complex context marked by security and economic challenges. He also served in the National Assembly in 2011, 2018 and 2023, and in the Provincial Assembly from 2006 onwards.
His career began in local government: he was administrator of the Lubero territory, then successively mayor of the cities of Butembo and Beni between 2003 and 2006.
Julien Paluku holds a Master's degree in Political and Administrative Sciences from the University of Kinshasa. He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Health and Community Development from the Free University of the Great Lakes, a background that reflects his commitment to human and institutional development.