This week we travel all the way to The Republic of Congo. The Congolese people are known to take great pride in their appearance and manner of dressing. As I gather, it is a crime for a Congolese woman to go outside looking unkempt or having the wrong posture.
The Republic of Congo is the land of diamonds, mountain gorillas and great food. Let’s get to know a Young African Leader from this country who is also a great entrepreneur.
My name is Wilheim Okoko from the great Republic of the Congo also known as Congo, Congo Republic or Congo-Brazzaville, a country located in Central Africa. I please beg you not to confuse my country with the Democratic Republic of Congo across the Congo River. I get that a lot.
I grew up in Pointe-Noire and always knew that I would one day be successful. When I was a young I would notice that my playmates would look up to me whenever there was a crisis or a decision to be made. This really boosted my confidence.
When we misbehaved, they got the blame. Never mind that a lot of the times I was part of the naughty boys exploring the surroundings to quench our curiosity.
I have a degree in Electronics. I am an ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) holder who works in new technologies, civil aviation, oil and gas industries.
As you may know, Agriculture, industry, and services dominate our economy. The most important products are lumber, plywood, sugar, cocoa, coffee, diamonds and especially oil. I therefore decided I would not be left behind and would work on my entrepreneurship gift. I am currently working on an agribusiness project with the hope of exploring other areas very soon.
When you are happy with your life, you are happy about your growth. You constantly want to improve and attain your goals. I believe when you find happiness and joy, you always find your way to the up.
I committed at a young age to serve my community and my country. I therefore ensure I use every opportunity to develop myself. I yearn to influence as many young lives as possible. To create thousands if not millions of jobs within and without my country in the next 10 years.
I am very grateful to President Obama for starting this great initiative, YALI. I have made such huge connections. I see this as an opportunity and an easy access to build, connect and invest in other African countries.
I see Africa as youthful, ambitious and full of life. I therefore would like to urge all young Africans to think big, think internationally, think Africa and do not be limited to small dreams. If your dreams don’t scare you, you need to rethink them.
Other than that I would love to invite people to visit my country and enjoy the beauty, wealth and food. My invite especially goes to Ethiopian ladies whose culture would go very well with our wealth of diamonds. (Laughs). I promise you that you will particularly enjoy my favorite food, saka-saka (cassava leaves pound with palm oil and peanut butter) served with salt fish.
