Eloïc Peyrache in Côte d'Ivoire

The Dean and General Director of HEC Paris, Eloïc Peyrache, visited Côte d'Ivoire in September. The visit, marked by several milestones, testifies to the school's active presence in a booming ecosystem. The HEC Paris Representative Office in Abidjan team, headed by Alexis John Ahyee, accompanied the delegation from Jouy-en-Josas on an impressive series of events. These included the launch ceremony of the Master in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MEI) with the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB), the presentation of the PACT Afrique program in the presence of several alumni Chapter presidents, and the presentation of the Prix Mercure Afrique 2023 to Talibi Haidra (EMBA.14) and Nelly Chatué Diop (MBA.08), during a reception at the French Ambassador's residence.

Launch of MEI and presentation of the PACT Africa program

Eloïc Peyrache was in Yamoussoukro, on the INP-HB campus, for the launch ceremony of the Master in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MEI), a new program in partnership with HEC Paris. The trip also provided the opportunity for an information session on the PACT Afrique equal opportunities program (Programme d'Accompagnement des Talents africains). Students had the privilege of taking part in a presentation led by Philippe Oster, Senior Executive Director in charge of International Affairs at HEC Paris, and the Chapter Presidents (presidents of the alumni community) of Côte d'Ivoire (Daouda Coulibaly), Senegal (Habib Mbaye) and Gabon (Charles Boukinda), as well as PACT Africa's first major donor, Bertrand Schwab.

Engaging discussions and inspiring testimonials followed, leaving a lasting impression on each of the participants, and motivating them even further to pursue their academic and professional dreams. A key moment in their educational journey which reminded them of the importance of always aiming higher.

Launched in 2020, PACT Afrique is an equal opportunity program that aims at opening opportunities for talented young Africans by offering them to their further studies in management and, more generally, by developing their employability. The program aims at transforming lives, as confirmed by the students who have already benefited from it.

Supported by the HEC Foundation, nearly 40 coaches and mentors accompany students on their journey. In addition to providing opportunities, the program also has the advantage of strengthening diversity on the Jouy-en-Josas campus, which currently boasts 135 nationalities, including 34 African ones.

Celebrating entrepreneurial excellence

The Prix Mercure 2023 award ceremony for the Africa region was held in the prestigious setting of the residence of the French Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Jean-Christophe Belliard. The Mercure Prize honors entrepreneurship within the HEC Paris alumni community.

Entrepreneurship is at the heart of HEC Paris' identity. The institution believes in the power of innovation, creativity and boldness to shape the future of business and society. That is why the entrepreneurial spirit at all levels of the institution is celebrated and promoted to train leaders capable of meeting tomorrow's challenges.

For this 2023 edition, which is regional for the first time, the Prix Mercure for the Africa region was awarded to Ivorian Talibi Haidra, who graduated from the Executive MBA program in 2014, for his real estate company S3i.

The nominees' projects were so qualitative and innovative that the jury decided to award a special prize, the Prix Spécial du Jury, to Cameroonian Nelly Chatué Diop (MBA.08), for her fintech project, Ejara.

Eloïc Peyrache took the opportunity to present a Prix Spécial to Daouda Coulibaly (H.96), President of the Côte d'Ivoire Chapter, for his constant commitment to the school's activities and development over the past 10 years.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Ivorian government, as well as the HEC Paris alumni community in Africa. It was an evening of celebration and inspiration, highlighting the remarkable entrepreneurs who are contributing to the region's economic and social development.

Find out more on the HEC Paris office in Abidjan