Célestin Vunabandi

Célestin Vunabandi Kanyamihigo is a Congolese politician currently serving as a senator for North Kivu since 2024 and previously serving as the Minister of Planning from 2012 to 2014.

Biography Vunabandi was born on May 19, 1964, in Jomba, Rutshuru Territory, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. He graduated with a degree in applied economics from the University of Kinshasa in 1988.

In 2003, Vunabandi was appointed Minister of the National Economy. He worked with Joseph Kabila in attracting European Union investors into the DRC. In 2004, he was investigated for corruption. In 2006, he was elected as a member of parliament for Rutshuru. In 2009, Vunabandi was replaced by Emile Ngoy as Minister of Higher Education, and Vunabandi replaced Joseph Mudumbi as Minister of Public Firms.

In April 2012, Vunabandi was appointed Minister of Planning and Oversight for the Implementation of the Revolution of Modernity.

In February 2024, Vunabandi was elected provincial deputy for North Kivu, running as an independent. He is part of the Congolese Senate's Finance Committee.