Paul Panda Farnana M'Fumu (1888-1930) was a Congolese agronomist, nationalist, and pan-Africanist whose life and work had a significant impact on both Congolese and Belgian society. His efforts laid the groundwork for Congolese nationalism and challenged the injustices of colonial rule. Born in Nzemba, near Moanda in Kongo-Central province, Farnana was taken to Belgium in 1895 by Jules Derscheid. He was educated at the Royal Atheneum in Ixelles and later pursued horticulture and agriculture studies in Vilvoorde, becoming the first Congolese to earn a higher education diploma in Belgium. He furthered his studies in Paris and Mons, marking a significant achievement and symbolizing the potential of Congolese intellect within Belgian educational institutions.

In 1909, Farnana returned to Congo to work as an agricultural specialist and teacher at the Eala botanical garden. His experiences with racial discrimination and colonial abuses fueled his determination to fight for justice and equality. This stance resonated in Belgium, highlighting the oppressive nature of colonialism and prompting discussions on civil rights and equality within Belgian society.

During World War I, Farnana fought in Belgium and was captured by the Germans, spending the war in a POW camp. Post-war, he participated in the first Pan-African Congress in Paris in 1919, leading to the formation of the Union congolaise. This organization advocated for Congolese rights and political participation, challenging Belgian colonial policies and promoting a vision of equality and self-determination.

Farnana's address at the first National Colonial Congress in Brussels in 1920 was a landmark moment. As the only Congolese invited to speak, he advocated for equal treatment and opportunities for the Congolese, directly confronting Belgian colonial authorities and influencing public opinion in Belgium. He also helped organize the second Pan-African Congress in 1921, reinforcing his role as a key figure in the Pan-African movement. Despite increasing hostility from the colonial press, his efforts highlighted the need for reform and equality, contributing to the broader civil rights discourse in Belgium.

Returning to his village in 1929, Farnana founded a school and chapel before dying of poisoning in 1930. His legacy, as commemorated through exhibitions, documentaries, and a comic strip, remains a testament to his significant role in both Congolese and Belgian history. Paul Panda Farnana's life exemplifies the interconnected struggles for justice, equality, and recognition in colonial and post-colonial contexts, significantly impacting Belgian society's understanding of its colonial past and the need for reconciliation and reform.