ESSEC Alumni in Ivory Coast: “We have been experiencing a two digits growth for 10 years”

A melting pot offering high-level opportunities: Alain Kete (E95), Head of ESSEC Alumni’s Ivory Coast Chapter, tells us more about the local alumni community – and the services he offers to them.

ESSEC Alumni: How famous is the ESSEC brand in Ivory Coast? 

Alain Kete: The ESSEC brand has a strong reputation in our country with several high-profiles alumni such as the former governor of the Central Bank and Prime Minister, and other general managers, CEOs, partners of top tier banks, business companies and consulting firms. 

EA: What are the careers of our alumni in Ivory Coast? 

A. Kete: The profiles are very diverse and include bankers, insurers, actuary, digital marketing entrepreneur, financial consultants, investment funds officers, engineers, economists, etc. We even have a bar-at-home entrepreneur specialized in wines and African cocktails!

EA: What opportunities are there in Ivory Coast for our alumni? 

A. Kete: The country has been experiencing a continuous annual economic growth close to two digits in terms of GDP for 10 years, which creates a very favorable economic environment for business expansion. With the presence of various multinational companies operating in all economic sectors, there are a lot of opportunities either for experienced managers or junior positions for fresh graduate students. 

EA: As a foreigner, what makes it interesting to live in Ivory Coast? 

A. Kete: The country is well known for its hospitality, the so called “Akwaba”! Abidjan, the economic capital, is a melting pot for cultural experiences with a lot of communities of foreigners living in harmony with local population. 

EA: What advice do you have for our alumni moving in Ivory Coast? 

A. Kete: People tend to see Africa as one entity, but there are a lot of specificities per countries. I would suggest contacting our chapter for first-hand orientations and guidance to easily integrate the business and social environment of Ivory Coast. 

EA: What is the offer of ESSEC Alumni’s Ivory Coast Chapter? 

A. Kete: The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to stop social gathering and events. Our interactions are limited to virtual communication and networking via our WhatsApp group. We were however able to complete a social action last year with a fundraising among our members to provide financial support to a local student joining the ESSEC Business school in France for a BBA program.

Interview by Veary Ngy, International Community Manager at ESSEC Alumni, and Louis Armengaud Wurmser (E10), Content Manager at ESSEC Alumni 

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