In this episode of The Choice Makers, Frank Bournois interviews Hassanein Hiridjee, an entrepreneur with an exceptional track record and alumnus of ESCP Business School. Born in Madagascar, Hassanein Hiridjee is CEO of AXIAN Group, a family-owned and operated company that uses innovative leadership to run its energy, real estate, fintech, financial services and telecommunications businesses.
For example, the group was the first to launch 5G on the African continent at the same time as the rollout of the technology in Europe.
Together, Frank Bournois and Hassanein Hiridjee asked themselves how a company can make a real impact on its environment and the population and how to walk the talk?
Putting the principle of inclusion at the heart of its strategic management
When you want to develop a purpose-driven company, it is not enough to proclaim it, it is necessary to showcase that you are, especially at the human level. Hassanein Hiridjee testifies to this with his experience of bringing great assets by Africans for Africans and working not only on their implementation but especially on inclusion:
“What we bring to the day-to-day life of the population where we operate is inclusion. We try to find common points. Today, when we talk about our various businesses, such as telecommunications or finance, the common point is to bring the proper infrastructure, a proper backbone to connect everybody. We are very active in creating electricity, digital and financial inclusion.”
Giving a prominent place to the fight against global warming
The African continent, in full economic development, is confronted with numerous ecological challenges. This is a topic that economic leaders cannot ignore, according to Hassanein Hiridjee:
“The most important challenge we will have to face is global warming. We are very mindful of that. We make sure that we take the steps to reduce our carbon footprint and eradicate it totally in the next ten years. Today, our countries are suffering from environmental inequality and we have to create a much more sustainable ecosystem.”
To learn more about societal commitments and entrepreneurial challenges on the African continent, check out the episode of The Choice Makers on your favourite listening platforms.
