Impact Stories & Blogs

Paulmard Mboungou Moutsinga, Republic of Congo, Cohort 13, Business & Entrepreneurship

 “Nairobi!!” A young man landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport not sure of what to expect. Arriving in a country with over 40 Million people which was an overwhelming number dwarfing his country’s figure of about 4 million. When he received the confirmation that YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa (YALI RLC EA) had selected him to participate in the leadership program, he was ecstatic! From when Paulmard Mboungou was young, his father had reiterated the need to learn and speak English.  Republic of Congo is a French-speaking nation. The dad was convinced that in the future, his children would require it to advance in life. His father does not speak English. When Paulmard shared the news with his family, he knew this was possible thanks to the nudging by his father as YALI RLC EA language of instruction is English. The dad was filled with joy.

“I heard of YALI RLC EA at the American Cultural Center of Brazzaville, Congo. There were a lot of positive impact stories in the lives of the participants which had a multiplier effect in their communities. When one benefitted, hundreds or even thousands stood to benefit from it. This motivated me to apply for the Business and Entrepreneurship track.”, explained Paulmard in a calm demeanor. We had visited him at his Center, PM services, a company that he set up after going through the leadership program.

“Upon my return to Brazzaville after YALI RLC EA, after procrastinating for so long, in the year 2018, I finally set up my dream business. I now had the skills and I went for what I am passionate about; Information Technology and Languages. We provide software creation, hardware maintenance services and set up of IT infrastructure. For languages, we train English, Spanish, French, Chinese and local Congolese languages.”

“I currently have 11 employees. We have trained over 500 young people and offered IT services to several individuals and companies. Our goal in the next two years is to train over 2,000 young people. I have a talented team that understands my vision. At PM Services we are all about providing sustainable solutions at affordable pricing.” He adds emphatically. Paulmard works for Helios Towers, a telecommunication company with a presence in five countries in Africa. After the YALI RLC EA program, he was promoted to be a Manager because he demonstrated maturity and leadership skills, gained in great part, from the 12 weeks leadership training.

“I must say that the Design Thinking Class with its smart strategies and the Seven Habits with its wise canvas for highly effective people helped me to set up PM Services and are still guiding me in my everyday life as an individual, employee and entrepreneur.”

Like any other business, challenges are inevitable. He still needs more funds to equip the Center to ensure more youth can access it any given time. He also needs more books and computers especially now that PM Services has moved to a bigger location at Moungali, Brazzaville.

Paulmard does not forget what or who made him and he is an active member of YALI RLC Alumni Chapter of Republic of Congo where he has made friends and viable networks. He actively participates in different activities that positively impact the community and the youth in particular. Paulmard offers his Center to the Chapter and other alumni, for free, where they host meetings.

His closing remarks, “I am motivated and skilled to empower young African leaders that aim to help Africa be better and then change the narrative. I will always encourage the youth who come to PM Services to apply for the program whenever there is an application call.”