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Definition of ikelemba
ikelemba
/ˌiːkəˈlɛmbə/
i · ke · lem · ba
Plural:ikelembas
ikelemba Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
13
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A traditional rotating savings and credit association (ROSCA) found in parts of Central Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo, where members regularly contribute to a common fund that is distributed to each member in turn.
Example
"Many market women rely on an ikelemba to secure a lump sum of capital for expanding their small businesses."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for ikelemba• Rhymes for ikelemba
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Lingala (often also spelled 'likelemba'), where it refers to a traditional system of mutual financial assistance.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ikelemba. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ikelemba