Connect with us

Magazine

Bertrand Mbouck: An Innovative CEO, A Passionate King

Published

on

Passions vary and involved individuals pursue them fervently. Among them, Bertrand Mbouck stands out for his unwavering drive towards greatness, soaring to heights uncharted by others. His relentless diligence garners admiration, particularly from those who have witnessed his remarkable achievements since he joined Dangote Cement in 2018. From the outset, his clear mission was to “foster a pan-African identity and securing a position of excellence, performance, and growth”.

The crowning achievement for Mbouck is his role as the esteemed King of Bomakondo, Cameroon. Tasked with overseeing Cameroon’s cultural concerns, he strives to promote unity, faith and progress. However, while fully embracing this role, Mbouck realizes that it alone is insufficient to reach his ultimate aspirations. He consistently goes above and beyond, setting his sights on nothing less than the best for Dangote and beyond.

Mbouck has shouldered substantial responsibilities from the a young age. As an undergraduate intern at the Finance Department of the Hilton Hotel in Cameroon’s capital, Yaoundé, he had the opportunity to interact with auditors from Ernst & Young.

Born on May 12, 1978, in Marseille, France, Mbouck’s journey towards greatness commenced with a solid education, culminating in his graduation from the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé in 2001. Swiftly recruited by the Big Four firm, Ernst & Young, he began to shine, his « Passion for greatness » becoming an inspiring motto for countless ambitious young individuals.

Mbouck’s impact endures, with time refining his accomplishments rather than eroding them. His ongoing successes continue to shine brilliantly.

His achievements continue to shine, as time serves as a polishing force rather than a decaying one. Contrary to stereotypes, Mbouck is not just surrounded by the wealthy; he cherishes genuine connections, extending his generosity to the less fortunate, which has earned him the title « Diligent philanthropist. Consequently, he is adored and revered not only in his homeland of Cameroon but throughout Africa.

Even among scholars, Mbouck requires no introduction. His acumen and business prowess have established him as one of Africa’s most astute and discerning individuals. Fueled by an unyielding passion for progress and a flair for excellence, Mbouck has been a driving force in revolutionizing Dangote Cement’s position in Africa.

A glance back at his career reveals that he joined the Finnish power plant manufacturer, Wärtsilä, during its establishment of a subsidiary in central Africa, assuming the role of an area business controller. Recognizing the importance of belonging to a professional accounting body, he pursued membership with ACCA. Swiftly after earning this qualification, he ascended to the position of regional business controller, overseeing the finances of Wärtsilä subsidiaries across 28 countries in West and Central Africa.

Engaged in strategic projects and negotiations for Wärtsilä, Mbouck Bertrand discovered his innate talent for high-level strategic negotiation for massive endeavors. To enhance his strategy and management skills, he pursued further education at Harvard Business School. His remarkable capabilities led him to become Wärtsilä’s youngest regional CEO for Central Africa at the age of 36.

Inspired by his successes at Wärtsilä, Mbouck envisioned exploring a more competitive and dynamic market where he could fully utilize his primary skill: competitiveness. His journey has always been guided by a sense of destiny and focus, with a genuine concern for the well-being of ordinary people, reflected in his generous and peaceful nature.

Mbouck’s leadership revolves around building capacities and developing skills, recognizing that Cameroon’s greatest asset lies in its people. The African cement industry is set to experience substantial growth, projected at a compound annual rate of 5.9% until 2029. This expansion is primarily attributed to a multitude of infrastructure development projects across the region. Within this promising sector, Dangote Cement, Nigeria’s largest listed company, stands at the forefront, commanding a significant two-thirds share of the domestic cement market.

As the Regional Director for pan-Africa markets at Dangote Cement, Mbouck holds a crucial role in overseeing operations in nine countries: Cameroon, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. These countries present immense potential for growth, owing to the ongoing infrastructure development projects in the cement industry.

Under Mbouck’s visionary guidance, Dangote Cement witnessed remarkable growth, with revenue doubling in the first year and tripling in the second, as he expressed in his interview with ACCA. His dedication and unwavering determination to achieve objectives set him apart as a highly driven and ambitious leader.

In an extraordinary event, Mbouck was recently enthroned as the King of Bomakondo, Ndom Subdivision, in the Sanaga Maritime Division, Littoral Region. The coronation, marked by unprecedented excitement, gathered influential personalities and a massive crowd. Notably, his father, Mbombog Mbouck Guillaume, who was the former traditional ruler, decided to hand over the throne to him while still alive, making it a rare occurrence in the Littoral Region’s history.

Mbouck’s journey to leadership, both in the corporate world and as a traditional ruler, exemplifies his exceptional character traits, marked by energy, determination and an unwavering resolve to achieve his ambitions, as he considers the best interest of his followers, colleagues and staff alike. His story continues to inspire and captivate those who encounter it, just as the distinguished tradition of Cameroon’s past leaders.

 

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Votre adresse e-mail ne sera pas publiée. Les champs obligatoires sont indiqués avec *

Magazine

Gallery: Diaspora Excellence Award 2023

Published

on

At the occasion organized in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Naija Diaspora Magazine, several individuals, companies, governors, traditional rulers, business owners, government agencies and parastatals as well as politicians were honored for their outstanding performances in 2023. The publication celebrated its
10th anniversary with a two-day event that included the Symposium and Annual Diaspora Excellence Award. This platform provided a unique opportunity for collective learning, networking, and gaining insights into government policies that relate to communities. Attendees were empowered to navigate pathways of positive change. The Symposium lecture was titled: ‘Building a Nation’, with several dignitaries as speakers.

CLICK EACH IMAGE TO ENLARGE

 

Continue Reading

Magazine

Inaugural Anambra State Union Football Tournament Triumphs Amidst Adversity

Published

on

On the 6th of August 2023, a monumental event took place at St Michel, Terminus, Douala, marking the commencement of the First Edition of the Anambra State Union Football Tournament. Under the stewardship of Sir Emeka Uzoka, Chairman of the Anambra State Union, this tournament emerged as a testament to unity, sportsmanship, and the indomitable spirit of the Anambra community.

The opening ceremony set the stage for what would become an unforgettable showcase of camaraderie and competitive fervor. A true celebration of tradition and athleticism, the tournament kicked off with a Veteran Match at 2:00 pm. The clash between Aguata Local Government Union and Nnewi Local Government Union resulted in a gripping encounter, with Aguata securing victory with a 2-0 score line.

Distinguished figures graced the event with their presence, adding prestige to the occasion. Among them was Mr. Oliva Ochi, Consul 1 at the Consulate General Douala, representing the esteemed Consul General, H.E. Amb. (Mrs.) Efe A. Clark-Omeru.

The honorable gathering was further enriched by the participation of key personalities, including: Hon. BIC Okwujiaku, President of the Nigerian Community Douala, HRH Eze Jonathan T. Onyenagubor, Eze Gburugburu 1 of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Cameroon, Sir, Lovinus Ezeh, Vice President, Nigerian Community Douala, Chief Alex Nwoye, Vice President 2, Nigerian Community Douala, Chief Uche Obiekwe, Patron of the Nigerian Community Douala, Chief Innocent Obiorah Odoh, Patron Anambra State Union, Chairmen of Imo and Enugu States Union, Esteemed members of the Anambra State Union.

The event also extended its reach to include esteemed guests from Douala and beyond.
In recognition of the paramount importance of safety and well-being, the organizers ensured the presence of dedicated medical health and security personnel, assuring attendees a secure environment throughout the event.

Despite the inclement weather characterized by heavy rain, the unyielding spirit of the Anambra community remained unshaken. A testament to their passion for football and unity, a remarkable number of attendees braved the elements, converging to witness the unfolding of history on the lush fields of St Michel, Terminus.

The final was held on Sunday 12th of November 2023 @ Bonamousadi Stadium Douala. Oyi Local Government lifted the trophy while Aguta Local Government took the bronze and Idemili Local Government took silver.

The inaugural Anambra State Union Football Tournament stands as an embodiment of shared values, intercommunity collaboration, and the timeless appeal of sport. This event not only etched a significant mark on the sporting calendar but also served as a reminder of the resilience and unity that define the Anambra community.

As the tournament concluded its first chapter, it left in its wake a legacy of camaraderie, sporting excellence, and the promise of more remarkable editions to come.

Continue Reading

Magazine

CAMEROON: Miniature Africa

Published

on

Cameroon, nestled in the heart of Central Africa, is a country with a captivating blend of rich cultural diversity, stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Often referred to as « Miniature Africa, » Cameroon offers travelers a unique and multifaceted experience, showcasing the continent’s essence in a single destination.

With more than 250 ethnic groups and languages, Cameroon is a melting pot of diverse cultures, traditions and customs. The capital city, Yaoundé, and the economic hub, Douala, provide excellent starting points to dive into Cameroon’s cultural wealth.

Cameroon’s diverse geography offers a plethora of breathtaking landscapes, each with its unique charm.
In the West, the mist-covered peaks of Mount Cameroon, the highest mountain in West Africa, beckon adventurous hikers to climb and witness awe-inspiring views of the surrounding scenery.
Towards the North, the Sahelian region boasts vast savannas and semi-arid landscapes, offering visitors an opportunity to spot magnificent wildlife, and in the East, the dense rainforests of the Congo Basin teem with a rich variety of flora and fauna, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and exotic bird species.

Tourism Spots on a Budget
Here are a selection of the most distinguished and captivating tourist destinations in Cameroon. These remarkable locales boast accessibility without undue strain on one’s financial resources, making them irresistible choices for tourists.

Mefou National Park:
Mefou National Park houses the Mefou Primate Sanctuary, a rescue center managed by Ape Action Africa. With over 300 rare and endangered primates, it’s a significant conservation project in Africa, providing lifelong care and rehabilitation for animals rescued from illegal trades.

Limbe:
Formerly known as Victoria, Limbe is a port city with a diverse flora and fauna influenced by its colonial past. The Limbe Wildlife Centre/Botanical Centre offers a close-to-nature experience, rescuing and caring for ill-treated and endangered animals.

Mount Cameroon:
Mount Cameroon, also called the « Chariot of the Gods, » is West Africa’s highest mountain and an active volcano. A popular destination for adventurers and hikers, the trek offers stunning views, diverse landscapes and encounters with wildlife like monkeys and birds.

Kribi Beach:
Kribi Beach, in the southwestern region, boasts long white sand beaches and clear waters. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Visitors can also enjoy the Chutes de la Lobé waterfall, where they can swim under the falls. Local cuisine and seafood delicacies await at various restaurants.

Korup National Park:
Korup National Park, renowned for its bird species, offers pristine tropical wilderness. Visitors can enjoy lodging infrastructure and spot unique primates like the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee and Perseus’s red colobus. Located near the ocean, Mundemba serves as a starting point for tours to the park, where guides often speak the local Cameroonian language.

Cameroon stands tall as a remarkable destination for audacious travelers seeking a blend of cultural diversity, awe-inspiring landscapes and thrilling adventures. From the depths of the rainforests to the heights of its mountains, and from the bustling cities to the serene beaches, the land beckons with open arms, ready to share its enchanting beauty and warm hospitality with all who venture to explore its wonders. As tourism in Cameroon continues to grow sustainably, the country’s potential as a captivating and memorable destination will undoubtedly flourish.

 

Continue Reading

Trending