The MANSSAH group, a recent initiative aimed at catalyzing African renewal, emerged under the aegis of passionate figures, including the Cameroonian journalist Alain Foka. Inspired by the legacy of King Mansa Moussa of the Mali Empire, MANSSAH envisions itself as a collaborative movement, engaging varied individuals in innovative dialogue about Africa’s future.
Origins and inspirations
The idea of MANSSAH emanates from a diversified group of individuals united by a profound love for Africa, seeking to redefine the continent’s destiny. The name MANSSAH was chosen in homage to Mansa Moussa, whose historic wealth and imperial leadership illustrate a golden chapter of African history Alain Foka, upon leaving RFI, played a key role in realizing this initiative, with an official launch in Lomé on October 22, 2023.
Vision and objectives
The primary ambition of MANSSAH is to stimulate profound discussions and innovative reflections on Africa’s destiny, inviting audacious youth to redefine its future. They aim to redefine African governance and institutions, while seeking endogenous solutions to the continent’s contemporary challenges.
Structure and launch
MANSSAH SAS, based in Lomé, offers consulting and lobbying services, with an initial social capital of fourteen million CFA francs. The launch marked the beginning of “Manssah Rendezvous”, sessions where members gather to discuss and collectively build the future of Africa. The launching ceremony in Lomé was a moment of clarification and explanation of the group’s ambitions. Alain Foka, as President, highlighted the collective nature of MANSSAH and introduced the diversified co-founders who share a common passion for Africa and its renaissance.
The structure of MANSSAH transcends the visible figure of Alain Foka, involving 15 co-founders (Alain FOKA, Fatoumata SIDIBE, Ericson OPOU, Cheick TRAVALY, Claudia SENGHOR, Alain KAHASHA, Gilles ATAYI, Dr Roger MOYOU MOGO, Madina DANSOKO, Jules DOMCHE, Serge Armel NJIDJOU, Dr Elie NKAMGUEU, Noé Moïse KOSSONOU, Guy Robert LUKAMA, Sébastien FAYE) from various professional and geographical backgrounds, all united by a common will to rethink and shape Africa’s future.
Anticipated impact
MANSSAH aspires to be a catalyst for African renewal, creating a space for collective reflection and action towards a more authentic and prosperous African continent.
The MANSSAH group is a promising initiative embodying renewed optimism and collective will to rethink Africa’s future. Their collaborative and inclusive approach could serve as a model for other movements aiming to address the socio-economic and political issues of the continent.
Thank you again for your enthusiasm, your encouragement and your presence at the MANSSAH Rendezvous in Lomé on 22 October.
— Madina Dansoko (@MadinaDansoko1) October 27, 2023
We must work to change our continent.@WeAreMANSSAH pic.twitter.com/FGsg7YkK5D
