Atlanta
businessman Kwame Som-Pimpong
described Equatorial Guinea
as a country on the move that offers many opportunities after a recent visit to
the country. In an opinion piece on Global Atlanta
(GlobalAtlanta.com), Mr. Som
Pmpong, who is co-founder of Afara Global LLC, a
consultancy that connects small business to opportunities on the African continent,
said that after spending a week in Equatorial Guinea and speaking at length
with up-and-coming leaders, his perception of the West African nation has
changed in a positive way.
“Despite criticisms,
President Teodoro Obiang
Nguema Mbasogo has
used oil revenues to improve road
infrastructure, increase access to education
and position the country as an economic cornerstone on the African continent,”
he wrote. “The real fuel that will drive the country into the future, as in
other parts of Africa, is its cadre of young, energetic entrepreneurs.”
While in Equatorial
Guinea, he met with young professionals such as N.J. Ayuk, Managing Partner of Centurion LLP, the
largest law firm in the country, who shared his desire “to see Equatorial
Guinea develop its legal structures and financial sector to the level of
a Seychelles or Mauritius - competing with those
countries as a financial gateway to the African continent. Mr. Ayuk also shared
his wish “to improve education of the country's citizens, a key step toward
reaching the country's goals.”
“All these conversations, coupled with my
experience on the ground, excite me about the future in Equatorial Guinea,”
wrote Mr. Som-Pimpong. “I have been able to meet several young professionals
who have considerable influence now and others who are fighting to build their
work. I definitely plan to witness how the vim of its citizens elevates the
country toward its lofty potential.”
