The poor relation, the distant cousin barely noticed, like those cash-strapped members of the family, school—education in Africa in general and West Africa in particular—remains a great ailing body that some, several, many are trying to revive; as best they can.
Among them is Francis Enguélé, CEO and founder of Tewodros School of Sales. A closer look at the man who wants to train sales professionals better, so they can sell themselves better—especially in a region where one constantly hears, reads, and sees: “People buy you the way you sell yourself!“
Tewodros School Of Sales: Who Is Behind This Made In Africa Training Program?
“I grew up between several worlds that shaped me: on one side, a childhood marked by curiosity and the need to understand the world; on the other, a family environment that valued hard work, education, and openness. My father never compromised when it came to the importance of doing well in school.” says Francis Enguélé, CEO and founder of Tewodros School.
Before adding: “I would say I had a very dynamic childhood, always on the move, with a desire to discover and learn. One example among many: I always wanted to go to summer camps to discover other regions—or even other countries.“
Like most boys his age, his childhood was marked by video games—but not only that. Football too. But don’t ask him who his favorite footballer is. It’s been a long time since he put away both his boots and his dreams.
Torn ACLs—you know how it goes…
“Little Francis was both a dreamer and a pragmatist. I asked a lot of questions—sometimes too many. I was curious, sociable, but also very action-oriented. I even went through a fighting phase between the ages of five and nine. I loved observing adults, understanding their professions and projects… And above all, I loved football and video games, my two great passions.“
Besides dreaming of pulling on a jersey and becoming part of the Sunday Team, the interviewee—visiting Abidjan, capital of hustle—had plenty of other dreams in mind. The kind that would eventually take him far from home, notably to Madrid.
From Madrid to Abidjan: The Journey of a Fast & Curious Man
Settled somewhere in Greater Abidjan, with its traffic jams capable of testing even the most patient souls, the Cameroonian entrepreneur—one hand on his phone, the other on his computer—continues answering questions, including those about his routine. Not exactly skincare, but close enough.
“My day starts early. Reading, monitoring trends, discussions, and a lot of strategic thinking. Then I juggle my projects: developing Tewodros School of Sales, building partnerships, meeting companies, and exchanging with mentors. But there is always one constant: learning. I never go to bed without having learned something new.“
The turning point—the step that led him to focus on education, the bespectacled entrepreneur who told himself: “If I can train the next generation of talent, then I can directly help change the game.“—came after he himself completed training at the Abidjan branch of a renowned business school.
With his (new) diploma in hand, the not-so-former student turned to African history in search of a name: Tewodros.
A Made In Africa Name
“Tewodros School of Sales takes its name from Emperor Tewodros of Ethiopia, a major 19th-century figure known for his visionary leadership, his commitment to African unity, and his fight for a modern and autonomous state.
I wanted the school’s guiding figure to be embodied by an African king who had a significant impact on the cause of African unity.
Tewodros is a name rich with history and meaning, evoking leadership, vision, and courage. I wanted the school to carry a strong identity rooted in African memory while looking toward the future. School of Sales clearly states our mission: to train the continent’s best B2B sales professionals by combining hard skills and soft skills.“
