French-African Foundation: HEC Paris EMBA Alumni Among Most Promising Young French-African Leaders

Two HEC Paris Executive MBA alumni were named to the French-African Foundation’s prestigious list of consequential young leaders making an impact both on the Continent and on French-African relations.

Hubert Evariste Vieyra and Maryse Lokossou, both alumni of the HEC Paris Executive MBA, were named among the French-African Foundation’s count of 100 Young Leaders this year.

The list is the result of some 3,000 applicants across 39 different sectors; all are between the ages of 28 and 40 and hail from 53 countries. The list is the Foundation’s way of higlighting a group of capable leaders who play an important role in Franco-African relations.

“More than ever, the French-African Foundation wishes to identify, gather and nurture the most promising talents within the economic, political, academic, social and cultural ecosystem of France and Africa,” according to the Foundation.

Sustainable goals

Both EMBA alumni serve in critically consequential roles in the effort to finance the sustainable development of the African Continent.

Maryse, who serves as Chief of Staff to the President of the West African Development Bank (BOAD in French), is a member of the HEC Paris EMBA Class of 2021.

“From my perspective as a recent HEC Paris alumna, joining the Young Leaders program is a unique opportunity to jointly build a strategic vision addressing the issues the African Continent is facing,” she said.

“Some of these issues include unemployment, sustainable infrastructure, energy, education, climate issues and the gender equality gap, a subject close to my heart,” she continued.  “This program is also a forum to highlight the success and innovations of this resilient and amazing population.”

“HEC Paris provided us with the confidence, the method and the network to meet these high expectations. As fellows we are committed and to preparing the next generation of leaders.”

Developmental attitude

Hubert is Principal Portfolio Manager of the French Development Agency (l’Agence Française du Développement, or AFD in French), where he manages a €5 billion portfolio made up of loans, grants, and equities. He graduated from the HEC Paris EMBA Program in 2020.

“The HEC Paris Executive MBA completely refocused my life priorities onto missions with impact,” he said. “One of the first decisions I made after graduating was joining AFD, a top tier development finance institution. The HEC Paris Executive MBA enhanced my leadership skills during and after the curriculum. There, I met my career mentor who shared details about the Young Leaders program with me. Now, as a fellow, we are confident in tackling upcoming challenges in a sustainable and durable way.”

The full list of laureates is available here.


 

More CEOs of Fortune Global 500 companies have graduated from HEC Paris than any other university in Europe, and nearly 4,000 graduates are currently CEOs, CFOs, or have founded their own companies. According to the Financial Times, the HEC Paris Executive MBA is ranked #1 in Europe and #3 in the world; click here to learn more.

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