Lomé: Togolese and pan-African entrepreneur, Gervais Koffi Djondo, is recognized as a leading figure in driving economic integration across Africa. Djondo's efforts demonstrate that African integration is both feasible and profitable, which has been a primary mission since the African Union's establishment on July 9, 2002.
According to Global Voices, Djondo's journey began with the co-founding of Ecobank in 1985 alongside Adeyemi Lawson. At a time when Africa's banking system was dominated by Western financial institutions, the creation of Ecobank marked a significant shift towards African-owned financial services. Today, Ecobank operates in over 30 African countries, reflecting Djondo's vision for a financially integrated continent.
Djondo's determination did not stop with banking. Following the collapse of Air Afrique in 2001, he responded to calls from African leaders to establish a new airline. This led to the launch of Asky Airlines on January 15, 2010, a company designed to serve the entire continent rather than just the Francophone regions.
In a 2019 interview with Agence Ecofin, Djondo emphasized the importance of African unity, stating, "It's up to us to move forward. Until Africa understands the importance of uniting, the colonial trade patterns will only repeat."
Djondo's influence extends to young entrepreneurs who regard him as an entrepreneurial icon. Adamas Koudou, a young Togolese entrepreneur, expressed admiration for Djondo's impact on African entrepreneurship and integration, noting his creation of pan-African institutions that stimulate trade and investment.
However, the path to continental integration faces challenges. Calls for national sovereignty and protectionist policies hinder the free movement of people, goods, and services, posing significant barriers. Despite these challenges, regional organizations like SADC, ECOWAS, ECCAS, and COMESA continue to promote cross-border trade and cooperation, vital for economic growth in Africa.