[Interview] Jean-Luc Mathey, team leader, GIZ-IS Gabon, Germany
Jean-Luc Mathey is a team leader at GIZ-IS Gabon, Germany. He also founded a buying agency and a training center. His interview with Africa Business Communities:
Would you please introduce GIZ-IS Gabon?
We offer a full range of GIZ services to international clients seeking to implement projects sustainably in their own country or in third party countries. We work with them to develop a project concept that meets their needs. We can provide support from drafting the concept through to project implementation and final financial settlement and evaluation. Our clients benefit from our extensive experience and global presence, our networks of experts and our focus on sustainability.
Our clients are international institutions (European Union, World Bank, United Nations and others), governments around the globe, foundations and global companies can commission us directly.
Why did you choose GIZ-IS Gabon as the company to identify yourself with?
I wanted to work in Africa and in the field of the development, but more than that, to make something that has real, visible and concrete impacts for populations
What is your business background?
Before GIZ, and to summarize, I worked for the private sector (ITC). I have also created companies (a buying agency and a training center). All my previous activities had business development as main and common objectives.
What can be done by the government to stimulate the business environment in Gabon?
Improve governance and transparency. The government should put in place reforms to reduce the administrative burden and increase investments in the sector of infrastructures.
What’s the best part about doing business in/with Africa?
The human relationships are rich and various, but there are also lots of opportunities in almost all economic sectors. It is not always easy to make business in Africa, but this is the place to be for people who like challenges.
Which African countries will perform best in 2015?
It's really difficult to answer as a lot of African countries are in transformation. Several governments are implementing reforms to improve business investments.
Regarding my current experience, I can only talk about sub-Saharan countries. Regarding size of the market and resources, Nigeria, DR CONGO and Angola will probably make a good performance this year. But looking at investments and diversification of the economy, Kenya (as a regional hub) will also be a major player.
For further business interests, contact Jean-Luc Mathey
www.linkedin.com/in/matheyjl/en
Don't miss the Africa Business Communities Networking Event | Hamburg - 21 September 2015
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