A specialist in strategic partnerships, she deploys HEC’s academic excellence in Africa, with a clear vision: to train leaders capable of meeting the continent’s specific challenges. Her journey, marked by commitment and perseverance, is a source of inspiration for all those who believe in the potential of education as a driver of transformation.
A journey guided by a commitment to Africa
Natasha Bibi-Derenne’s path to HEC Paris is the fruit of a series of opportunities seized and a constant commitment to Africa. After studying foreign languages and civilizations, then international relations at IRIS (Institut de Relations Internationales et Stratégiques), she embarked on a career in decentralized cooperation. A first mission to Africa confirmed her vocation: to build “win-win” bridges between Europe and the continent.
Her entrepreneurial path, with the opening of a restaurant and then a boutique featuring African specialties, reveals her desire to take concrete action. She then became involved in the NERI Initiative, a training platform for women entrepreneurs, which led her to knock on the door of HEC. Starting out as a program manager, she climbed the ladder thanks to her adaptability, sense of service and determination. In six years, she held four different positions, learning pedagogical engineering and interacting with top executives.
From an early age, Natasha felt the responsibility of representing the African woman in environments where she had little presence. This self-imposed pressure drives her to excellence, not simply to “do the job”, but to enhance and inspire.
The HEC training program is rooted in local realities
Today, Natasha is in charge of strategic international partnerships at HEC Paris, with a strong focus on Africa. The school has a strong presence in Morocco, South Africa and a representative office in Côte d’Ivoire. The aim is clear: to raise the profile of adult continuing education by adapting programs to the cultural and entrepreneurial specificities of the continent, while guaranteeing the same quality as the diplomas awarded at Jouy-en-Josas. Graduation ceremonies on the Paris campus reinforce the link with the global HEC community.
A flagship program, “Sustainable Leadership in Africa, Lead Campus”, perfectly illustrates this approach. Co-constructed with African players, it takes candidates through six modules in four different countries. The idea is to get to grips with the challenges and issues specific to the continent:
- Morocco (with Mohammed VI University in Rabat): focus on educational excellence, entrepreneurship, geopolitics and major African trends.
- Côte d’Ivoire: support for local teams and African business issues.
- South Africa (with the University of Cape Town Business School): exploring cultural impact and social innovation through the eyes of locals.
This program alternates face-to-face and online modules to reduce travel and costs, while partnering with local and international companies for hands-on learning.
Concrete success and lasting impact
HEC Paris has built up a solid network of alumni in Africa, including artists, entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Success stories include :
- Coliba: A plastic waste recycling company that creates jobs for women, founded by a former Lead Campus candidate who successfully raised over $10 million.
- A 2023 graduate who has structured the African creative and cultural industries, particularly in music and art, by creating an annual trade show that brings together players in the sector.
- Artists such as Asalfo (Magic System) and Pete Bacardi have returned to their studies at HEC, illustrating the school’s desire to offer a “second chance” and educational recognition to experienced professionals.
HEC has positioned itself as a key player in emancipation through education, particularly for women, responding to the need for recognition and career structuring.
Global vision and adaptation to future challenges
HEC Paris is not limited to Africa. The school has a strong global footprint, with partnerships (such as Oxford University) and representative offices in China, Japan, New York and the Middle East (campus in Qatar). The aim is to establish itself everywhere, working closely with local players.
When it comes to artificial intelligence, HEC already offers dedicated training courses, available to African companies. Although demand is not yet massive on the continent, the catalog is constantly updated to meet the latest technological trends.
For future applicants, HEC offers a simple approach via its website, with programs adapted to all levels (short, certifying, diploma) and all budgets. Open days and webinars provide an opportunity to meet the teaching staff and alumni, and immerse oneself in the HEC experience.
Sport and music as pillars of balance
Outside of work, Natasha Bibi-Derenne finds her balance in sport and music. A former athlete, she practices running and fitness on a daily basis, seeing it as a way of starting the day with a good mental outlook and managing stress. Music, particularly soul and jazz, is another passion that transports her and nourishes her soul, offering a poetic interlude after intense days.
Natasha Bibi-Derenne embodies the convergence of academic excellence, social commitment and global vision. Her work at HEC Paris actively contributes to shaping a new generation of African leaders, capable of transforming their continent and shining on the international stage.
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