From legal rigor to creative agility
Nothing initially predestined Nono Mayimdombé for the world of influence. With a rigorous background in private business law, complemented by a degree in international relations and a master’s in international commerce, he spent over a decade as a consultant and project manager for giants such as AXA, BNP Paribas and Société Générale.
And yet, beneath the financial executive’s suit, the heart of a serial entrepreneur was already beating. From the creation of a premium eyewear brand to the founding of a Poulet Mayo catering service, Nono has always cultivated this dual identity.
“During the day, I’d wear a suit to the office with my colleagues, and in the evening, I’d put on my jogging suit and hit the highways of the Paris region to deliver food. My only safety net was my main job.”
The genesis of Manosa
The idea for Manosa arose from a simple but powerful observation: the story of Africa is too often told by those who don’t live it. The turning point came with the African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire. By taking a dozen content creators to experience the event from the inside, Nono and his associates realized the striking power of these “new media”.
The explosion of audiences and the massive involvement of communities have validated the concept: modern, creative and ambitious Africa must be told by its own children, whether from the continent or the diaspora.
Nation Branding
At the heart of Manosa’s business is Nation Branding. This concept, closely linked to “Soft Power”, involves promoting a country’s identity, culture and opportunities to attract tourists and investors.
Like the “American Dream” or the Korean cultural surge, Manosa works with governments and institutions, such as Benin with its Explore Benin country brand , to amplify their messages. The agency uses content creators as trusted channels to break down prejudices and showcase the richness of Africa’s infrastructure, gastronomy and landscapes.
An ethical and human vision of influence
For Nono Mayimdombé, influence isn’t just about numbers. The selection of talent at Manosa is based on precise criteria: a positive vibe, a genuine love of the continent and the ability to immerse oneself in local realities without prejudice.
The agency strives to create synergies. When a lifestyle designer collaborates with a culinary expert, the snowball effect benefits the entire community and, by extension, the territory in question.
Entrepreneurship, a marathon of resilience
Drawing on his past experiences, Nono delivers a lucid message to future entrepreneurs. He reminds us that it often takes three to four years for a business to become truly viable, and stresses the importance of association in managing the “mental load”.
For him, every initiative, even those put on hold, is a building brick. It’s this resilience that enables him today to run Manosa and its sister production company, Asonam, with a clear ambition: to make African cultural storytelling a global standard of excellence.
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