LEADERSHIP

Affi Agbodo

Global Director & Chairman GYLSCO

Affi Agbodo is a distinguished expert in strategy and leadership, with extensive experience in strategic consulting and organisational development. He has advised numerous organisations across Africa and Europe, including the prestigious Chartered Management Institute (CMI) in the United Kingdom, where he served as Strategy Lead for Development and Expansion, enhancing the institute’s influence and reach in England.

With over a decade of experience as a Professor of Strategy at leading European and British universities, Affi has spearheaded the development of innovative academic programs, training hundreds of professionals and executives in leadership and strategic thinking. His teaching excellence has earned him exceptional recognition—he is one of the few educators in the UK to receive the prestigious Great Teaching Award for three consecutive years, an honor celebrating academic excellence and educational impact.

Over the past five years, Affi has dedicated himself to designing and implementing national and international programs aimed at supporting governments in their economic development strategies. His work emphasizes the knowledge economy, crafting strategies that foster innovation, skills development, and youth empowerment to build a sustainable future.

As Global Director and Chairman of the Global Youth Leadership for Sustainable Cocoa (GYLSCO), Affi leads a groundbreaking international initiative that places youth at the center of transforming agricultural economies sustainably. Under his guidance, GYLSCO has become a catalyst for ethical agro-industries, job creation, and environmental stewardship—bridging strategy, education, and actionable impact.

Dr Atta Gervais

Senior Advisor & Global Ambassador – Banker, Expert in Strategy and Transformational Leadership

Dr. Gervais Atta is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in the banking, insurance, microfinance and strategic development sectors in Africa and the Indian Ocean region. As Senior Advisor and Global Ambassador, he brings deep expertise in financial services, business development and stakeholder engagement to support international initiatives.

Currently, Dr. Atta holds the position of Regional Director Indian Ocean at Atlantic Group SA, where he oversees and coordinates the development of the group’s projects in the fields of banking, insurance, microfinance and industry. His role involves managing relationships with key partners, regulatory institutions and political authorities while strengthening the group’s reputation and strategic influence in the region.

Previously, he held management positions such as Director of International Development at Atlantic Group, Board Member at AFG Assur Madagascar and AFG Bank Madagascar, as well as General Manager at AFG Assur Comores.

His strategic vision and in-depth knowledge of financial ecosystems make him a valuable asset for promoting sustainable development and international partnerships.

Dr Narcisse Olinga

Senior Advisor -  Expert in International Trade Policy and Cocoa Sector Governance

Dr. Narcisse Ghislain Olinga is a distinguished expert in international trade policy and cocoa sector governance, bringing over two decades of experience in public administration, commerce, and sustainable development. Since 2022, he has served as Vice President of the International Cocoa Council (ICCO), playing a pivotal role in shaping global policies for a more sustainable and equitable cocoa industry.

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With a Ph.D. in Political Science, specializing in public policy and international trade, Dr. Olinga has held numerous strategic positions within the Cameroonian government. He is currently the Deputy Director of Trade Exchanges at the Ministry of Trade of Cameroon. As Permanent Secretary of the WTO Monitoring Committee and Permanent Secretary of the Anti-Dumping and Subsidies Committee, he has been instrumental in defending trade interests and negotiating key international agreements.

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A passionate advocate for sustainability, Dr. Olinga leads the Cocoa Sustainability Platform in Cameroon and has represented the country at global forums, including WTO negotiations, ICCO summits, and international cocoa conferences. His expertise spans commodity market regulations, trade defense mechanisms, and regional economic integration, making him a critical voice in advancing fair trade and economic opportunities for cocoa-producing nations.

Julianna Razanadrakotomila

Strategic Advisor - Diplomat, Government Appointed National Coordinator for the Republic of Madagascar, Expert in International Relations

A seasoned diplomat and ardent advocate for sustainable development, Julianna Razanadrakotomila holds the position of National Coordinator for the Global Youth Leadership for Sustainable Cocoa (GYLSCO) program in Madagascar. In this strategic role, she oversees all program operations within the country while ensuring coordination between the Malagasy government and all involved stakeholders. Thanks to her leadership, GYLSCO has become a catalyst for socio-economic transformation among the youth in Madagascar's cocoa-producing regions.

Currently serving as the Head of the Department of Sectoral International Economic Organizations (SOEIS) within the Directorate of Economic Expansion at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar, Julianna spearheads leading international economic initiatives. She has played a pivotal role in large-scale negotiations, including the development of the Convention on a new Organization for Mediation (OIMed) and the signing of the foundational agreement between Madagascar and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

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Through her vision, commitment, and expertise, she embodies the mission of GYLSCO: to inspire, train, and empower young people to build a sustainable and prosperous cocoa sector, while highlighting Madagascar's central role on the international stage.

Rev. Jean-Philippe Lasme

Advisor on Leadership and Social Impact - GYLSCO Ambassador for Partnerships with Religious Institutions and Impact-Driven NGOs

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Reverend Jean Philippe Lasme is a theologian, leader, and visionary committed to sustainable development and social justice. A graduate of Spurgeon’s College in London, he pursued a Masters in Theology and Biblical Studies at the University of Manchester, combining intellectual rigor with a deep practical engagement. As the senior pastor of an influential church in England, he guides leaders, entrepreneurs, and organisations in adopting ethical and inclusive models that integrate spirituality with social responsibility.
 

His work extends to fighting poverty, empowering communities, and advocating for climate justice, incorporating sustainable solutions into resource management and ecosystem preservation. As an advisor for GYLSCO, he plays a key role in developing strategies focused on agricultural ecosystem regeneration, the creation of green jobs, and the promotion of local knowledge. He also works to mobilise churches and faith-based organizations as active participants in sustainable change.
 

Convinced that faith must be expressed through concrete actions, he strives to build bridges between Christian businesses, ethical investors, and local communities to promote harmonious and environmentally respectful development. His commitment transcends borders and inspires a new generation to see sustainable development as a tangible expression of love for others: “Faith without works is dead”.

Souhila Mager

Senior Advisor -  Expert in Lobbying, Corporate Diplomacy, and Government Relations

Souhila Mager is a seasoned expert in lobbying, corporate diplomacy, and government relations, playing a key role in the expansion of GYLSCO across Africa. As an Advisor to GYLSCO, she leverages her vast network and strategic expertise to promote the initiative among decision-makers, facilitating impactful partnerships with governments, the private sector, and institutions committed to the sustainable development of the cocoa industry.

Holding a Global Executive MBA in Strategic Management from IFG Executive Education and a Master’s in Business Administration (Finance) from IAE Panthéon Sorbonne, Souhila Mager has spent over a decade at the intersection of education, corporate strategy, and economic development. Since 2019, she has been the Director of IFG Afrique, spearheading the institution’s expansion and ensuring that its training programs remain aligned with the evolving needs of African professionals and businesses.

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A visionary leader, she anticipated the growing demand for specialized education in Africa and led IFG Afrique’s establishment on the continent. In 2019, she launched the first IFG Afrique campus in Abidjan, marking a significant milestone in the global expansion of the OMNES EDUCATION group. Committed to equal opportunities and sustainable development, she played a key role in securing a partnership between IFG and the United Nations Global Compact.

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Beyond her professional achievements, Souhila Mager is dedicated to empowering young people through education, mentorship, and practical learning experiences, fostering the next generation of leaders in Africa.

Hermine Ondoa

Senior Advisor for Corporate and Government Relations in Cameroon& GYLSCO Ambassador Cameroon  - Finance Expert

Hermine Ondoa is a seasoned expert in engineering and finance, as well as an agro-pastoral entrepreneur, playing a crucial role in the establishment of GYLSCO in Cameroon. As GYLSCO Ambassador and Senior Advisor for Corporate and Government Relations, she leverages her extensive network and strategic vision to strengthen institutional and private alliances, thereby fostering the program's growth and its lasting impact on the cocoa industry.

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Holder of a degree in Mechanical Engineering Design from the National Higher Polytechnic School of Yaoundé, an Advanced State Diploma (DEA) in Physics, and a diploma from the Technical Institute of Banking in Nanterre, Hermine Ondoa has spent over 25 years at the intersection of engineering, finance, and strategic development. Her career has led her to hold several high-level positions in the banking sector, where she has developed advanced expertise in wealth management, human resources, credit, internal audit, and management.

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A visionary and committed individual, she has diversified her skills by venturing into agro-pastoral entrepreneurship. In 2019, she founded an agricultural enterprise specializing in cocoa production and a cattle fattening farm, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural models and creating jobs in rural areas.

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Her commitment to youth and sustainable development naturally aligns with her mission at GYLSCO. She works to structure strategic collaborations with governments, the private sector, and international organizations to ensure the sustainability and expansion of the program.

Dr Arnaud N'goran

Strategy and Implementation Advisor – Expert in Transformation and International Development

Dr. Arnaud N'Goran has over 18 years of international experience across various sectors, including healthcare, strategy consulting, and management. Renowned for his expertise in organizational transformation and the implementation of sustainable solutions, he has collaborated with leading institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO), and several African governments.
 

In 2022, Arnaud founded Athari Advisors, a firm dedicated to providing strategic support to organizations in achieving their goals. Prior to this, he served as Regional Director for Africa at Delivery Associates, where he managed a team of 25 employees and oversaw a $6 million portfolio.
 

At Dalberg Advisors, Arnaud rose to the position of Equity Partner, leading a team of 40 people and managing a $3 million portfolio. He also worked as a Senior Manager at Deloitte Consulting, where he gained extensive expertise in managing complex projects and providing strategic advisory services.
 

Arnaud combines strategic vision with a pragmatic approach, enabling organizations to tackle complex challenges and successfully achieve their objectives.

Patrick Grahouan

International Legal Director – Expert in Business Law and Regulatory Compliance

Patrick Grahouan is a seasoned international legal professional with over 20 years of experience in managing legal affairs. At GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) he leads over 70 countries across four continents (Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia). Based in London, he combines a deep understanding of international legal systems with strategic leadership, enabling organisations to successfully navigate complex and regulated environments.

As International General Counsel, Patrick oversees legal operations, regulatory compliance, contract negotiation and dispute resolution for leading organizations. His proactive approach and crisis management skills have helped secure his clients’ interests while optimizing their operational performance.

Patrick has held key positions at Ernst & Young as Senior Engagement Director. His contributions have been instrumental in the success of numerous strategic projects, strengthening the competitive position of his clients.

Combining rigor, strategic vision and an unwavering commitment to results, he continues to be a key player in the transformation and growth of organizations worldwide.