Chief Change Officer: Episode #353 – Fatou Sagna Sow: From French Banking to Building Africa’s Next Generation

Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Fatou Sagna Sow
Release Date: May 7, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #353 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan engages in a profound conversation with Fatou Sagna Sow, a dynamic individual who transitioned from a successful career in French banking to becoming a pivotal figure in Senegal's economic development and youth entrepreneurship. This episode delves into Fatou's motivations, challenges, and the impactful projects she's spearheading to foster growth and innovation in Africa.

Fatou’s Background and Career in France

Fatou Zehna, originally from Paris, established herself as a prominent financial lawyer. With a robust education in business law and finance, she honed her expertise in both French and U.S. law firms before joining major banking institutions like BNP Paribas and Société Générale in Paris. Her role involved overseeing large teams and managing billion-dollar financial transactions, exemplifying her professional success.

Fatou Zehna [03:08]:
"I always wanted to study law because law is the way you manage people to live together in a city. I always wanted to know the rules and be able to be part of the lawmakers and policymakers."

The Decision to Move to Senegal

Despite her thriving career in France, Fatou felt an intrinsic desire to challenge herself further and reconnect with her Senegalese roots. The turning point came in 2000 when she became actively involved in Senegalese politics, representing the Senegalese party in Paris. This involvement deepened her understanding of Senegal's economic and political landscape, laying the groundwork for her eventual relocation.

Fatou Zehna [05:49]:
"I felt like I was not challenging myself enough... It was a question of identity. Who am I? I'm also Senegalese."

After years of meticulous preparation, networking, and obtaining her family's support, Fatou made the bold decision to leave her esteemed position in Paris and move to Senegal in 2016.

Fatou Zehna [09:33]:
"Everything is constantly changing and you need to adapt. If you don't adapt, it means you're not going to make it."

Challenges Faced During the Transition

Transitioning from a stable and lucrative career in France to working in Senegal's non-governmental sector presented significant challenges. Fatou faced concerns about professional success, financial stability, and providing for her family. However, her strong network in Senegal, supported by her husband’s connections in the public sector, provided a safety net that facilitated her integration and effectiveness in her new role.

Fatou Zehna [19:12]:
"I'm a strong person. I have a great network here. My husband was born here and he has such an amazing network."

Current Work in Senegal

Since relocating, Fatou has taken on the role of a technical advisor to Senegal’s Conseil Economique, Social, Environnemental et Culturel. In this capacity, she advises the government on economic, social, and environmental reforms, focusing on fostering sustainable development. Her work encompasses various sectors, including the blue and green economies, industrialization, and sports development, highlighting her versatile expertise.

Fatou Zehna [14:33]:
"The next revolution in Africa is industrialization. I also worked on projects for sports and development. The sports industry in Africa is only 1% of the GDP, which is very low."

Projects and Impact

One of Fatou's standout initiatives is the "No Nana" project, which transforms banana fiber into sanitary products for women—a pioneering effort in Senegal and across Africa. By bridging European and Senegalese talents, she fosters collaborative projects that not only create job opportunities but also empower young entrepreneurs.

Fatou Zehna [24:22]:
"One project I'm dealing with right now is called No Nana. It's about transforming banana fiber into sanitary parts for women. It has never been done in Senegal."

Additionally, Fatou actively collaborates with international partners, including those from Monaco, Portugal, China, India, Korea, and Japan, to build a robust entrepreneurship ecosystem. Her efforts aim to harness Africa's vast potential by linking diverse skills and experiences to drive innovation and economic growth.

Fatou Zehna [28:11]:
"There are so many things to do. I started with France, naturally, but I'm open because it's really a great country and we are open to work with everybody."

Overcoming Difficulties and Support Systems

Fatou acknowledges that her journey was not without hurdles. Leaving a high-paying job for uncertain prospects required immense courage and resilience. Her comprehensive preparation, including leveraging her political networks and her husband’s local connections, played a crucial role in mitigating risks and ensuring her successful transition.

Fatou Zehna [21:52]:
"I have a great network here... My husband has been working in the public area for years."

Her passion for politics and commitment to making a meaningful impact fueled her perseverance, enabling her to navigate periods of instability and uncertainty, especially during challenging political climates in Senegal.

Looking Forward

Fatou envisions expanding her initiatives beyond Senegal, fostering international collaborations that can bring diverse talents together to drive Africa's growth. She aims to continue creating projects that blend cultural insights with innovative solutions, thereby nurturing a new generation of African entrepreneurs poised to lead the continent into a prosperous future.

Fatou Zehna [27:07]:
"So the benefits of Africa are so many things to do here and so many things are not done."

Conclusion

Fatou Sagna Sow embodies the essence of a Chief Change Officer, demonstrating how embracing one's identity and taking bold steps can lead to transformative impacts on communities and societies. Her journey from French banking to fostering economic development in Senegal serves as an inspiring testament to the power of change, resilience, and visionary leadership.

Fatou Zehna [30:14]:
"Changing from Europe, France to Africa, Senegal has been probably the best choice I ever made in my life."

Notable Quotes:

• Fatou Zehna [05:13]:
  "I decided to quit this environment I've always known to start a new adventure in Africa, and specifically in Senegal."

• Vince Chen [09:33]:
  "Sounds like it was a calculated decision. It wasn't a smirk of a moment thing."

• Fatou Zehna [13:25]:
  "There's no barrier. Actually understanding that the world is huge."

• Fatou Zehna [24:04]:
  "Putting together people from different perspectives and making them work on different projects."

This episode of Chief Change Officer offers a profound exploration of personal transformation, cross-cultural leadership, and the relentless pursuit of meaningful impact. Fatou Sagna Sow's story is a powerful reminder that true growth often lies beyond the comfort zones we create for ourselves.

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