Najwa El Iraki is the Founder & Managing Partner of AfricaDev Consulting Ltd. With a wealth of experience as a senior executive in international corporations and key institutions in the UK and Africa, she has dedicated the past years to establishing a company and a robust partnership network. Her focus lies in providing effective assistance in planning, investing, executing, and operating successful ventures for business expansion and growth in Africa.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Najwa El Iraki:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
Inside the workplace, I am thriving in dynamic environments and leveraging my skills as a seasoned business development and financial consulting professional. I’m known for being a hard-working leader. Currently as the managing partner of AfricaDev Consulting Ltd., my focus is on providing effective support for planning, investing, executing, and operating successful business ventures in Africa. Our services include business development and funding advisory, utilizing a broad network encompassing angels, family offices, VCs, PEs, government funds, strategic investors, and large corporate investment divisions.
I also serve in various leading positions: Managing Director in North & West Africa for Lloyd’s of London; Senior Advisor for Private Equity firm Mediterrania Capital Partners and MD for Opportunity Network, connecting leaders globally for diverse business opportunities.
Outside of the demanding work environment, I am a devoted mother to my 11-year-old son. Balancing my time between London, Madrid, and Casablanca, I am a frequent traveler. When in Casablanca, I prioritize quality time with my son, fostering his independence while maintaining a strong bond. We share the joy of traveling together, made possible by my non-traditional work arrangement that allows me to spend precious moments with him. Additionally, I cherish meaningful time with friends and seize every opportunity to network, as my work is not just a job but a genuine passion. I also enjoy maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular practice of yoga and meditation. Despite being a very hard-working and busy woman, I find fulfillment in the multifaceted aspects of my life.
Describe your background and what did you do before you joined the company?
After a master’s degree in business management & corporate finance from Kedge Business School and Aston Business School, I embarked on my career journey through an internship at KPMG Birmingham in tax consulting, subsequently transitioning to KPMG London while pursuing a UK chartered accountancy degree.
Afterwards, I delved into investment banking at Lehman Brothers and Nomura in London, followed by a role as Senior Manager at Mazars London.
With over a decade of experience in major global investment banks and one of the world’s largest audit firms, I returned to Morocco to head the business development department at Casablanca Finance City Authority for over six years.
In 2016, I earned a leadership certificate from Harvard Business School and later founded AfricaDev Consulting. Since then, I’ve undertaken consulting missions for governments, multinationals, SMEs, and startups.
Alongside my career, I’ve been actively involved in networks and associations like S-Connect Africa, EO, Women Working For Change of the Africa CEO Forum, We4She and Eje&Con.
Currently, I’m dedicated to comprehensive business development and advisory services for the African continent.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
In 2017, inspired by a culmination of experiences in international corporations, I took a transformative step and founded AfricaDev Consulting. The inception of the company was driven by a profound vision for comprehensive business development services dedicated to the African continent.
AfricaDev Consulting quickly positioned itself as a key player in the business development landscape, undertaking diverse missions for governments, multinationals, SMEs, and startups. The impetus was a deep belief in the untapped potential of the African business environment and the need for strategic guidance to navigate its complexities.
Simultaneously, I embraced pivotal roles in key international organisations such as Lloyd’s as mentioned above. These strategic positions seamlessly align with AfricaDev Consulting’s broader vision, creating a synergy that enhances our capacity to support businesses in their expansion and growth ventures across Africa.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
If I were to pinpoint three essential factors that have led me to where I am today, they would be:
- Firstly, the passionate construction of my business, leveraging what truly inspires me, particularly networking and building relationships with others. There’s nothing more fulfilling than channeling one’s passions into a profitable venture.
- Secondly, being an expert in my field, achieved through a delicate blend of hands-on experience, continuous hard work, and ongoing learning, all aimed at delivering genuine added value. As an entrepreneur, it’s equally crucial to surround oneself with other experts in specific domains to whom I can delegate responsibilities effectively.
- Lastly, having a strong ability to persevere and take action based on choices is, in my opinion, indispensable for success. The determination to remain resilient in the face of challenges and execute decisions plays a pivotal role in the journey towards achieving success.
Which are the major services of the company and how does the company go ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
AfricaDev Consulting offers essential services for international companies entering African markets:
Business Representation and Market Penetration:
- Role: Acting as a liaison for overseas companies.
- Functions: Coordinating activities, finding key partners, investors or clients and boosting negotiations.
Advisory Services:
- Expertise: Assisting in setting up in Morocco or investing in Africa.
- Services: Covering licensing, structuring, and financial advisory.
Strategy Consulting:
- Focus: Understanding business issues for impactful decision-making.
- Approach: Developing personalized strategies with expert partners.
- In a competitive landscape, AfricaDev Consulting stands out with its extensive experience in sales and business development in Africa, serving as a valuable on-the-ground business partner, connecting companies with the right opportunities.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
For me, the most important aspects of a company’s culture are adaptability, confidence, hard work, and perseverance. A strong ability to persevere and take action based on choices is essential for success, and these principles form the foundation of the culture I aim to build. Drawing on my deep experience in mentoring, I actively cultivate a culture of mentorship within the company. At AfricaDev, everyone is empowered to take the initiative, and a dynamic, collaborative and supportive environment is fostered.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
In a world where technology continually transforms how we interact, innovative solutions enable companies to adapt, stay relevant, and enhance their connectivity. Whether it’s pioneering new communication platforms, streamlining processes, or creating novel ways to engage with clients and partners, innovation is the key to navigating the evolving landscape and building sustainable connections in the contemporary business world.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
In my opinion, organizations thrive best when there is a harmonious blend of individual contributions and effective team processes. While individual heroics can bring innovation and unique perspectives, sustained success is often rooted in the synergy of collaborative team efforts. A well-coordinated team, leveraging diverse skills and experiences, can achieve more comprehensive and enduring results than relying solely on individual heroics. It’s the balance between individual creativity and cohesive teamwork that forms the foundation for organizational resilience and success.
What are your responsibilities as the Founder and Managing Partner of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
As the Founder and Managing Partner of AfricaDev Consulting, my primary responsibilities revolve around leadership, strategic decision-making, and guiding the company’s overall direction. However, the happiest part of my daily routine lies in the genuine connections I foster with a diverse range of professionals. Engaging with people, whether it’s forming strategic partnerships, collaborating with clients, or networking within the industry, brings me immense joy.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Connect with your team, understand their strengths, and empower them to contribute meaningfully. Remember, leadership is a continuous learning journey, so invest in your own development and stay open to evolving your approach based on experience and feedback. One of my favorite quotes is: ‘Alone, we go faster; together, we go further.’
