A multi-dimensional career in the service of Africa
Kadia Sylla Moisson embodies the figure of the committed African woman, navigating with ease between the professional and entrepreneurial worlds. Africa Director at Grand Alexander, a headhunting group, she works to develop African talent on the continent. Her rich and diversified career path bears witness to her determination to build bridges between Africa and its diaspora. Born in Guinea, she left her country at the age of 9 to pursue her studies abroad. Arriving in France at the age of 17, she followed a brilliant academic path, obtaining a Bac +5 in international law.
After 17 years in human resources, a turning point came in her career. At the dawn of her forties, she felt the need to reconnect with her roots and become more involved in the development of Africa. In 2015, she took over Maison Muller, a private mansion in Montmartre, transforming the space into a coworking and events space. She quickly infused it with an African dimension, opening its doors to young entrepreneurs from the diaspora. The Maison Muller became a place for exchanges and encounters, where African talent could express itself and develop.
Developing talent and creating networks
Alongside her entrepreneurial activities, Kadia Sylla Moisson joined the Grand Alexander Group in 2018. As Africa Director, she supports companies in their search for talent on the continent. She notes a major development: African companies are increasingly keen to “Africanize their boards” and recruit local executives. She also observes a “repat” phenomenon, with qualified members of the African diaspora returning to the continent to contribute to its development.
This movement, encouraged by favorable public policies, bears witness to a desire to participate in Africa’s economic expansion. Drawing on her experience at Maison Muller, Kadia Sylla Moisson founded the Club des Diasporas Africaines de France.
This business club aims to create an ecosystem of mutual support for entrepreneurs from the diaspora. It aims to offer them a network of contacts, financing opportunities and support in developing their projects. The club stands out for its business approach and its commitment to supporting African talent. The example of Agnès, a chef of Togolese origin who took over a restaurant thanks to the club’s support, is a perfect illustration of this approach.
Industrialization and culture, the driving forces of Africa’s future
Kadia Sylla Moisson doesn’t stop there. She launched the Salon des Industries Africaines de France, a platform for exchanges and meetings to promote the industrialization of the continent. The first edition, attended by nearly 250 people, was a success. The second edition is currently being prepared and will be held in Senegal, with Guinea as guest of honor. Kadia Sylla Moisson is convinced that Africa has a major role to play in the cultural and creative industries.
She salutes the initiatives of countries such as Benin, Senegal, Nigeria and Guinea, which are showcasing their cultural heritage and supporting local talent. She encourages African governments to continue their efforts to create an environment conducive to the emergence of a dynamic and competitive creative economy. Kadia Sylla Moisson is a woman of conviction, who puts her energy and network at the service of Africa’s development. Her inspiring career bears witness to her determination to build a better future for the continent and its diaspora.
Photos: Léocadie Ebakissé, co-organizer of the Salon des Industries Africaines
Read also
- Master the keys to franchise development in Africa
- Launch of the African Fashion Development Initiative (AFDI)
- Marien Ngombé, founder of Ateliers Citoyens du Congo
