ESSEC Alumni in Ivory Coast: “We have a strong reputation in this country”

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: How many alumni are there in your country? What is the proportion of expat alumni and native/local alumni among them? Where do they live in your country? Are there several, disparate local communities or do they all gather in the capital city?

A. Kete: We have currently 35 registered alumni with roughly a 50/50 proportion of expat and native alumni among them.

EA: What is the current economics and/or politics situation currently in your country? How does it affect our alumni’s prospects and opportunities in your country?

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. The last country GDP is projected at 6.5% for 2023 by the IMF.

EA: With that in mind, what opportunities are there in Ivory Coast for our alumni? 

A. Kete: 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. The profiles of our alumni here 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: 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: We organize regular “happy hour” networking afterworks and an annual party called “La Soirée des Alumni” with other local alumni clubs of top French business schools (HEC, ESCP, INSEAD, EM LYON, X, Centrale), which gathered 120 attendees in 2022. We also have a WhatsApp group. Last year, we raised funds among our members to provide financial support to a local student joining the ESSEC BBA.

EA : Who are the members of your team? Do you need more volunteers to get involved? 

A. Kete: I do not have a formal team but I am very open to work with any volunteer wanting to join forces. Feel free to reach out to me!

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

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