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Definition of ikelemba

ikelemba

/ˌiːkəˈlɛmbə/
i · ke · lem · ba
Plural:ikelembas
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ikelemba Lexical Profile

• 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

• Nearby Words

iguazu
iguazu falls
iiwi
ikelemba
ikelemba river
ilama
ilex

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 Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ikelemba
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