ESSEC Alumni in Cameroon: “There is a strong demand for our talents here”

Rostand Tchouatat (EXEC M17), President of ESSEC Alumni’s Cameroon Chapter, tells us about our local community – and the activities he offers to them. If you are a graduate or a student in the area, join their online group!

ESSEC Alumni: What is your personal history with Cameroon? 

Rostand Tchouatat: I was born in Cameroon. I first moved abroad for my studies, then came back and worked as an auditor in a chartered accounting firm and as an accountant in a French company. I then once again left the country to prusue further opportunities, before settling in my homeland for good. For 5 years I was the General Secretary of a group of insurance companies with subsidiaries in 9 countries and a network in 48 Africa countries. Now I am the cofounder of 2 companies in the consulting and tourism sectors.

EA: What are the profiles of our alumni in Cameroon? 

R. Tchouatat: Most are native and live in Yaoundé and Douala, the two largest cities of the country. About 50% are founders in insurance, finance, IT, IA, and agri-food. 30% are working in the private sector, mostly in finance and health. The remaining 20% are working in the public sector and include a member of Parliament and a Minister. 

EA: What opportunities do our alumni have in Cameroon? 

R. Tchouatat: In 2023, agriculture contributed around 17% to the GDP of Cameroon, industry 25% and services 50%. Most opportunities stem from Douala, which is the richest city in the whole CEMAC region (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon). It is home to the country’s largest port and international airport, and the commercial capital, while Yaoundé is the political capital. That being said, Cameroon also has considerable potential for mining throughout the territory, with large untapped reserves of bauxite, iron ore, sapphires, rubies, diamonds, cassiterite (tin), gold, molybdenum, rutile, uranium, nickel, manganese and natural gas. And oil has been the country's most important export since 1980. All that makes for a dynamic economy and a strong demand for highly qualified talents such as those in our community, all the more since many local products and services still need to be improved. One downside is that the the cost of living is increasing very quickly. Also, 2025 and 2026 are election years, so it might change the game. 

EA: Is the ESSEC brand an asset in Cameroon’s job market? 

R. Tchouatat: Absolutely, thanks to the first Cameroonians who studied in ESSEC and went on to achieve great success, leaving a strong and positive impression of our school.

EA: What is the offer of the ESSEC Alumni Cameroon Chapter?

R. Tchouatat: First off, we provide mutual support and assistance, and share knowledge. We also try and take every opportunity to network, either organizing informal events, such as cocktails and afterworks, or taking part in career events, such as the Forum Emploi Cameroun France. More recently, our members visited the St Arnille Marie Orphanage and donated clothing, food and hygiene products, plus raised nearly 300,000 FCFA to fund the 2024-2025 schooling of 4 children. And in the near future, we will be launching an activity around environmental issues: stay tuned!

EA: Who are the members of your team? 

R. Tchouatat: I am very grateful to Adeline Pelage (E15) and Landry Ngondi (M20) for their ongoing support. Many thanks also to Christelle Basilua (BBA 12) and Michèle Aline Komguem Kamsu (EXEC M17) who gave us a hand in 2024. We need more volunteers to manage our social media and launch new projects: feel free to reach out to us!

Join our Cameroon Chapter and our 125 clubs and chapters!

Interview by Louis Armengaud Wurmser (E10), Content Manager at ESSEC Alumni 

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