In this series of Director Interviews, we asked our directors to answer a few questions to get to know them a little better. We speak with Mr Nassourou Aminou, FCI's Regional Manager Africa, in this edition.

What got you started and interested in the industry?

When I was working in an audit and consulting firm, I was approached by a subsidiary of a credit insurance company that wanted to develop and launch credit insurance and factoring products in Africa. I liked the idea, but unfortunately, the project must have dragged on for over a year before I was contacted for a managerial position in the region. I was very excited to change jobs and use my experience in accounting, auditing, and consulting to better understand and develop factoring and credit insurance products. The business model went in the same direction with my aspirations and expectations of working for a world-renowned group, the desire to learn a new profession, to work with banks, large companies and SMEs in my country and the sub-region. In addition, it was a new and unique product on the market with quality training that I had to do in France, Algeria, Germany and Turkey.

Why should companies choose factoring?

Companies should choose Factoring because it is a solution that can meet their immediate needs and finance their working capital: paying suppliers, taxes, salaries and company charges without incurring the costs, delays and payment terms which may exceed more than 90 days in Africa. In addition, the businessman will be able to concentrate on developing his activity with the leverage of Factoring as a tool for the development of his turnover and client portfolio.

Do you feel enough is being done to get youth involved in this industry?

Factoring is a separate business that is different from traditional banking. In general, young people study in schools and universities to work in finance, business and banking. In the course of professional life, one learns about Factoring in all its facets. Therefore, it is essential to introduce certifications in this area right now in the university curriculum so that young people can orient their careers in this profession, which is at the heart of companies and banks. In this sense, FCI Academy has developed several training and certification modules in this profession and is recognised by certain universities. It is essential to have training sessions, information and promotional campaigns to take more interest in this profession, which presents many opportunities to be seized.

What has been your biggest highlight in your career?

You know, in life, there are highs and lows. With each passing day or each year that ends, it is crucial to take stock and look at what we have achieved and what could be corrected. Each year that begins is a new challenge. I think the moment I launched as an independent factoring consultant in partnership with a world-renowned software provider has been a defining and exciting time. Also, my engagement with FCI and Afreximbank within the framework of the Africa chapter of FCI as Regional Manager for Africa was the most excellent highlight of my professional career.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?

This is a difficult question. You know animals are close to humans and behave like humans without thinking and devoid of memory, conscience and feelings. I even wonder if a man can embody the spirit of one or more animals simultaneously. But, if we stay on the basic, I would like to be a fish in an ocean or a bird-like the Albatross that flies in the sky battles clouds and storms because there is no limit on the sky and the ocean.

What sport did you play in school?

 I liked Taekwondo and Break-Dance.

We want to thank Nassourou for letting us get to know him a little more and look forward to finding out more about our other directors in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!