15/03/2024
The Success is a journey, not a destination
Mining engineer operating the only factory in Guinea and Sierra Leone producing artificial marble
By Joseph Sesay
Tatiana Sesay, a Russian – Sierra Leonean, Mining, Oil&Gas Engineer in Techniques and Technologies, a graduate of the People’s Friendship University of Russia, has been on an upward trajectory since graduating in 2008. At 21, she embarked on a career that took her from a promising start at AZA Inc Afrigaz, one of the leading LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) marketing companies in Cameroon as a General Affairs Controller to an Expert in Engineering in West Africa. Her goal was simple yet profound: “I want to make Africa a little better, I want to leave a legacy.”
After AZA Inc Afrigaz, where she was recognized as “the most genius young female top-manager in Cameroon” (dubbed by “Cameroon Tribune”) she threw caution to the wind and funneled her expertise into the Petroleum Logistics start-up “Afri-Asia Logistics Ltd.”. A significant investment of 1 500 000 US dollars, paved the way for thirty new petroleum tankers to transport petroleum products within and beyond Cameroon’s borders for Mrs. Corlay Cameroun.
In 2012, Tatiana Sesay started working for the renowned Moda Holding, leading to a successful tender that received the green light from the Ministry of Energy and Water of Cameroon for the Construction of the Petroleum Product Pipeline (“3PL”). After validating a financial plan by KPMG France, and presenting a business plan to nigerian investors, Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless (Owner of Azikel Group) and Alhaji Sayyu Idris Dantata (Founder and CEO of MRS Holdings Ltd.), Tatiana Sesay’s interest was ignited in this lucrative business sector. By 2013, she took the reins as President of petroleum transporters for MRS Corlay Cameroun.
Her talent did not go unnoticed; “AFRI AZIA GAS GUINEE” sought her expertise for project startup management. Under her guidance, AFRI AZIA GAS GUINEE grew into a leading LPG distributor in Guinea. Following this, Tatiana was entrusted with overseeing government investment and construction projects in the nation for three years.
In 2016, Tatiana conducted a comprehensive feasibility study for Geoprospect in Sierra Leone, which led to her appointment as country director. Pushing her limits, Ing. Tatiana Sesay (Member of Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers) demonstrated excellence through practice and determination, mastering skills in management and leadership.
Broadening her scope, Tatiana understood the synergy between business and engineering. This realization ignited her entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the establishment of her own transportation and construction venture, MOG Investment. Among her ventures was the inception of artificial marble factories in Sierra Leone and Guinea, where she continues to pass on her expertise to local engineers, fostering economic development.
Was it a challenging journey from the engineer to the CEO?
“Yes,” – she said, – “It was a challenging and rewarding journey that required perseverance, hard work and determination. Moreover, working in Africa involves lots of risks. Being successful in Africa is about understanding and being sensitive to the local culture. I had to wear multiple hats and work long hours, but I was passionate about what I was doing, and that made all the difference.”
