Jean-Jacques Moukoko, Douala: Xpand Holdings SAS

Jean-Jacques Moukoko is a Senior Investmant Officer at Propacto in Douala, Cameroon, since 2018. Around the same time, Moukoko co-founded the Xpand Holding SAS in Douala, that speczalises in developing, financing and managing infrastructure projects for the benefits of the community. Beforehand, Moukoko worked as an Invest- ment Analyst at Ecobank Capital, the Investment Banking arm of the Ecobank Group, based in Central Africa. His office is based in Douala and its activities cover Cameroon, Gabon, Congo (Brazza- ville), Congo (Kinshasa), Chad, Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea. As Jean-Jacques explains:

“My job consists of assisting in all Corporate Finance related transactions, including Project Finance, Structured Commodity and Trade Finance, Debt Capital Markets or Mergers & Acquisitions.

Specifically, I cover the full range of responsibilities pertaining to Corporate Finance which include but are not limited to: Preparation of marketing pitch books, financial models, information memorandums and teasers or detailed financial analysis.

The economy of Central Africa is quite dynamic thanks to the numerous strategic investment plans in which local governments engage. Therefore, we see more structured finance transactions in areas such as oil & gas, infrastructure, trade commodities, agribusiness or telecommunications. For such transactions I assist in executing fundraising and advisory mandates from origination to disbursement, administration of the funds raised. I also manage our Corporate Finance clients’ relationships.

My education prepared me perfectly for my current job and the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management provided me with the tools to express my potential.”

Why did you decide to enrol in the Master of Finance at Frankfurt School of Finance and Management?

I enrolled at Frankfurt School, because I was not satisfied with the level of my knowledge in business and finance, and I decided to give myself a second try in a different cultural setting, as I was coming from France. The Master of Finance programme covered all domains related to financial management with an apparent (and confirmed) thoroughness. Also, the German culture is known as structured, focused and result-driven. I decided to challenge myself in studying at one of the best finance schools in Europe and did not hesitate when I was offered the opportunity to enrol at Frankfurt School.

What is more, I wanted to study Development Finance, in order to acquire all the required skills to be an expert in Development Finance at the service of the African Continent. Thus, when I heard that the Master of Finance included a concentration in Development Finance, it was clearly an opened door for me.

To what extent has the study programme prepared you for the requirements of your current position at Ecobank Capital? Which knowledge or skills have been especially useful?

On the professional side I developed a strong economic and financial basis which helps me to conduct thorough and meticulous analyses works. I also developed a holistic approach which helps me to quickly understand and tackle the challenges of transactions end-to-end management and to solve specific issues with innovative ideas. The programme prepared me to acquire a global view of a specific topic to further conceptualise and materialise the solutions that can create more value for specific stakeholders.

On the personal side, I developed perseverance and the will to seek improvement. These are qualities that are important in business and finance.

From today’s perspective, which meaning does your time as a student at Frankfurt School have for you?

A great and successful experience! I set myself a goal when enrolling in the program and I am proud that I achieved it. It was like climbing a mountain; you endure, you are discouraged, it’s hard but you never make a step back, even if it seems to be unrealizable, you go for your goal, you fight for it and you reach the top!

What is your best memory of your time at Frankfurt School?

It was a new environment, a new challenge, a new culture, a new personal target and a face to face with my own limits. I enjoy organising myself, my discipline and my will. I met other people, with different cultural backgrounds and teachings during group assignments and entertainments. Each of those moments was particular and rich of lessons for me. I don’t really have a specific best time at Frankfurt School, because the complete journey was satisfying for me. And last but not least, I learned to play the guitar on my own.

In your opinion, how important are alumni for a business school? What do you think alumni can do for their alma mater?

Alumni are the legacy of a business school. A good school is only recognised as such through its students. Alumni should create a strong network around the world and intensify connections and exchanges between them. The clear fact is that students from Frankfurt School can easily be identified through the specificity of their capabilities. Consolidating a network would have a strong impact within the business and finance environment around the world.

Do you have a motto?

Don’t pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.