On my Harvard experience: I gained so much from Harvard! It equipped me with a wide range of tools that have been invaluable in every aspect of my work. From understanding the different stakeholders around the table to gaining in-depth knowledge of issues, Harvard taught me how to identify the 'elephant in the room' and address those tough topics. This has been crucial in shaping policies and influencing decision-making in my role.
There’s also been a strong need for negotiations and influencing policy decisions in my work, and the skills I learned at Harvard have been incredibly valuable in navigating those challenges. Finally, the network that Harvard provides—connecting people from across Africa—has been a powerful asset. Wherever I go, there’s often a Harvard alum, whether local or expatriate, and this network has been a great source of support throughout my career on the continent.
On making a difference post-Harvard: I was invited by the Government of Namibia to participate in a panel discussing the reforms needed to drive business development in the country. During the panel, I noticed that the late [Namibian] President Hage Geingob was sitting in the audience, taking notes on what I was saying. That was a pivotal moment for me—it made me realize that I had a voice and that I could use it to influence positive change.
Following that intervention, I went on to support the government in establishing the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board. Additionally, I have been asked to lead the African Legal Support Facility, which has been a significant milestone as it made me the first economist to chair the management board of the facility.
On Impact: In 2022, I led a team that developed a framework for the bio-pharma sector in Mauritius. By 2024, the framework had been fully adopted by the Cabinet and became the country’s official strategy for the sector. As a result, more funding mechanisms were set up, including an initial 20 million Euros in equity funding, which later grew to 200 million Euros by the end of 2023. Sixteen projects were shortlisted, which will create over 800 jobs. Additionally, private sector investments of 231.2 million Euros are planned, with 91.2 million Euros already spent. These efforts have strengthened access to finance, improved the regulatory environment, and boosted trade, with over 116 million Euros in annual trade projected from the new projects.
In Seychelles, I spearheaded the digitalization of the port’s processes, launching a digital system in October 2023 that includes 16 IT modules for managing stopovers, cargo vessels, and port planning. This reform has significantly streamlined operations and is expected to give a boost to the local economy.
I’ve also contributed to legislative reforms in Rwanda, Madagascar, and Namibia, including supporting the establishment of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board.
On Failure: A friend and I decided to start a company focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) a few years ago. At the time, we spent most of our efforts simply explaining what ESG was, as the market wasn’t ready for it yet. Ultimately, we had to close the company because it didn’t gain the traction we were hoping for—we were too early for the market.
However, I believe that every experience, whether good or bad, counts. Building a business is hard, especially in Africa. You can't just transpose what works elsewhere; you need to adapt to local contexts. I’ve learned the importance of patient capital and recognizing the right timing for ideas.
On Advice to Current or Prospective African Students: Never give up. Things are rarely easy, especially in Africa. Focus on empowering the people you work with. And remember, while the Harvard degree is valuable, don’t let it make you overconfident—there is so much wisdom to gain from the people you work with in Africa, who may not have an elite education like yours.
