Emilie Wilson, Regional Project Director, Africa, at Oxford Business Group (OBG), has been selected as one of the French-African Foundation’s 100 Young Leaders for 2021.
The successful nominees were chosen by an independent jury of public decision-makers and business leaders from almost 3000 African and French candidates, all of whom were aged between 28 and 40. The names of the 100 candidates that made the list were announced at a ceremony compered by RFI journalist Diara Ndiaye and broadcast live on social networks on June 30, 2021.
The French-African Foundation was set up in 2015, to identify and promote the next generation of movers and shakers disrupting the business, political, academic, social and cultural scenes in France and Africa, and to support their progress, notably through its flagship Young Leaders programme. As part of the programme, successful applicants have the opportunity to participate in seminars in France and in Africa, develop their leadership skills and hold discussions with senior leaders based in the public and private sectors.
Emilie Wilson joined OBG in 2012 as a Country Director and quickly rose through the ranks, moving into the role of Regional Manager and, in 2020, was promoted to Regional Project Director in charge of pan-African sector-specific research.
Over the years, she has directed economic research from Djibouti, where she opened OBG’s office in 2015, Mauritania, Congo (Brazzaville), Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt and Gabon. She has overseen a broad range of projects, including, most recently, the production of several key reports, namely: Private Equity & Venture Capital in Africa; West Africa Textiles & Garments; Egypt Recovery Roadmap; Egypt Financial Services; and Telehealth in MENA.
She holds a Master’s degree in International Management from the EDC Paris Business School and is fluent in English, French and Spanish.
“This achievement is both a personal success and recognition of the Group’s commitment to charting the continent’s economic development and investment opportunities.” said Emilie Wilson. “These are exciting times for Africa as it looks to attract inflows for its many infrastructure projects and boost trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area,” she said.
“Emilie has made a key contribution to our coverage of Africa’s growth story, helping us to bridge information shortfalls and ensure business leaders have the data they need ahead of the decision-making process. I’m delighted that her sterling work has rewarded her with a position on this prestigious list.” said Karine Loehman, OBG’s Regional Director for Africa.
OBG produces a suite of highly relevant, go-to research tools, including a range of country-specific Growth and Recovery Outlook articles and interviews.
