In this engaging Q&A, Sékou Coulibaly, a McGill Desautels BCom alumnus, shares his experiences and insights from his time at McGill and his current roles in Ghana. From the vibrant student life in Montreal to leading sustainable business initiatives in Africa, Sékou's journey highlights the transformative impact of a McGill Desautels education. He discusses the highlights of his time at McGill, the skills he gained, and offers valuable advice for African students aspiring to study at McGill Desautels.
Why did you choose to study at McGill Desautels?
I chose McGill Desautels because it offered an exceptional blend of academic excellence, cultural richness, and global opportunities. As Canada’s top-ranked university for Business Administration, McGill stood out as the ideal place to grow academically and personally. Its location in the vibrant, bilingual city of Montreal provided a perfect balance of francophone and anglophone influences, along with world-class events like jazz festivals and Formula 1 races that enriched the student experience.
McGill also provided a unique value—affordable tuition thanks to Quebec’s special relationship with France, which made it the best financial option for me. Its proximity to my family in New York and the opportunity to join a supportive community of friends from my high school solidified my decision. McGill wasn’t just a university; it was a place where I felt connected and inspired to pursue my goals in a welcoming and dynamic environment.
What was one of the highlights of your time with us?
Some of my most cherished memories at McGill revolve around building communities and creating impactful experiences. Co-founding the Solin Hall Soccer Team and leading it to the semi-finals brought camaraderie and a sense of achievement. Establishing the International Management Society (IMS), which grew to 500 members and won “Best Student Association” after just two years, was a testament to the power of collaboration.
We organized events that brought global leaders from the United Nations, World Bank, and other organizations to campus for the first time, creating inspiring opportunities for students. Beyond academics, unforgettable moments like ski trips to Mont Sainte-Anne, paintball outings, and hosting social events that united over 1,000 attendees showcased the vibrant spirit of McGill. These experiences, combined with exploring Latin American history and culture through my studies, made my time at McGill transformative and deeply rewarding.
How has your McGill Desautels education transformed you as a person?
McGill Desautels expanded my worldview and strengthened my ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Growing up in New York, I was familiar with diversity, but at McGill, I truly lived it. Interacting with peers from every continent, every socioeconomic background, and every walk of life taught me the value of empathy, adaptability, and open-mindedness.
Starting as a francophone surrounded by high school friends, I left McGill as someone who had embraced a global perspective, living with roommates from Toronto and forming bonds with classmates from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond. McGill felt like a miniature world, preparing me to navigate the complexities of global business with curiosity and confidence. It instilled in me a deep appreciation for cultural richness and a passion for collaboration, which continues to guide me today.
What is your current role, and how have the skills you gained at McGill Desautels helped you in your current work?
I am honored to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of France Ghana (CCIFG) and as the Co-Founder and Board Member of SEKBI LTD, a sustainable luxury textile brand proudly “Made in Africa.” These roles allowed me to bridge local and international business ecosystems, foster partnerships, and champion sustainability in global trade.
The collaborative and analytical skills I honed at McGill Desautels have been instrumental in my success. My Marketing Research class, in particular, planted the seed for SEKBI LTD by exploring the potential of "Made in Africa" products for global markets. Today, I draw on those insights in building Africa Commerce Eagle LTD, a consulting firm focused on sustainable trade and textile manufacturing in Africa.
McGill’s emphasis on global perspectives and problem-solving empowered me to navigate complex markets across continents, manage multicultural teams, and drive meaningful, sustainable impact in all my ventures.
What advice would you give to other African students looking to study at McGill Desautels?
Come with an open heart and an open mind, ready to embrace challenges and opportunities that will shape you for a lifetime. Step out of your comfort zone, engage with people from all walks of life, and build relationships that will transcend borders and time. Take advantage of McGill’s vast resources, choosing courses that align your passions with real-world opportunities, and remember that this is a space to grow holistically—academically, socially, and professionally.
Your time at McGill will not just be about earning a degree; it will be about discovering your purpose, finding your community, and building a foundation for your future. Trust in the journey, and allow it to transform you.
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
The BCom program prepares students for professional and managerial careers by fostering critical thinking, interdisciplinary integration, and practical business problem-solving. Students develop risk-taking, teamwork, and leadership skills, gaining essential management competencies to thrive in the global marketplace.
