Konan's Journey

Konan grew up in a small village near Man, in western Côte d'Ivoire. He has always been curious about the world outside his village, even as a child. When he was eighteen, he moved to Abidjan to study computer science at university. It was the first time he had lived away from his family, and it wasn't easy at first.

Since finishing his studies, Konan has worked for three different companies. He has also travelled to Senegal and Ghana for work conferences, and he says these trips have opened his mind to new ways of thinking. Last year, he started his own small business selling mobile phone accessories online. He has never regretted taking this risk, even though the first few months were difficult.

Konan has recently begun learning French sign language, because he wants to be able to communicate with his deaf neighbour. He has also started mentoring young people in his community who want to start their own businesses. "I have learned so much from my mistakes," Konan says. "Every experience, good or bad, has taught me something valuable."

Today, Konan feels proud of the path he has taken. He hasn't achieved everything he dreams of yet, but he knows he is moving in the right direction.