A new league of African leaders is transforming Africa’s economic landscape with their innovative ideas, fearless attitude, and ambitious vision. Among them, one outstanding leader is Momar Gueye, the CEO of RIDWAN GROUP. His influence on the business environment of Senegal, his home country, is unmistakable. A true change-maker, he is redefining the narrative of what an African enterprise can achieve under a dynamic African leader. The significance of this cannot be stressed enough, as many companies across Africa are still run by foreigners.
Momar’s resolute and visionary leadership has led to the expansion of RIDWAN GROUP’s footprints beyond Senegal’s borders. This achievement of his has established a new paradigm for African business leaders.
Founding RIDWAN GROUP and Envisioning a Legacy
In 2017, Momar embarked on an entrepreneurial journey after leaving C2K Staffing SARL, where he served as Business Development Manager. Previously, he worked at the PCCI Group and the National Agency of Statistics and Demography.
Momar founded RIDWAN GROUP with the aim of participating in Senegal’s socio-economic development. To ensure that they become pioneers and not imitators, he embedded innovation in the group’s DNA. Under his leadership, RIDWAN GROUP continues to showcase its commitment to innovation through its services.
The group offers its services to both local and international clients through four subsidiaries, STAFFING, IPM, LOGISTICS, and ENGINEERING. Along with its commitment to innovation, what sets it apart from its competitors is its creation of a tripartite win-win situation in which every concerned person or entity benefits from a growth opportunity.
Initially, RIDWAN GROUP’s core business was recruitment and personnel management. Encouraged by the favorable socio-economic conditions in Senegal and outside, Momar and his team decided to diversify their service offerings. Advanced technology and innovation have enabled their offerings to meet the evolving needs of clients, effectively address the issues, and become the preferred services in the market. For example, in addition to using top-quality materials in construction, RIDWAN GROUP has tapped into digital project management, which allows it to effectively plan and complete projects. In HR, the use of data analytics has made its recruitment and training processes more efficient.
Momar informs that they are exploring mobile-based services to improve access to health insurance. “Technology and innovation allow us to scale, make an impact, and stay relevant,” he adds.
Momar has built RIDWAN GROUP into a formidable entity from scratch. His long-term vision is to establish it as a benchmark for “excellence” and “sustainability” across Africa. He also envisions the group becoming a catalyst for local development and achieving global relevance.
“The legacy I envision is one where RIDWAN GROUP is remembered as a pioneer that empowered people, built nations, and inspired a generation of African entrepreneurs,” Momar says.
CEM Bargny Project – A Ridwan Group Initiative
At CEM Bargny, the learning environment once faced significant challenges. Teachers carried out their vital work in a cramped, poorly lit, and under-equipped room, while 1,600 students lacked a safe and hygienic space to eat.
As part of its ongoing commitment to community development, Ridwan Group stepped in to transform the school’s infrastructure. A new, modern teachers’ room was constructed to provide a comfortable and functional workspace. In addition, the first-ever school canteen was built, creating a safe and welcoming environment where students can gather and eat with dignity.
This initiative reflects RIDWAN GROUP’s deep commitment to placing social impact at the heart of its operations. The company remains dedicated to actively supporting communities and fostering meaningful change wherever it operates.
A Major Challenge: The Lack of Funds
Sufficient funding is required to start and grow a business. Initially, for Momar, attracting funds or investment for RIDWAN GROUP proved to be a major challenge. He points out that they couldn’t gain access to funding in the early days. He, however, did not let that lower his spirits. Instead of stepping back, Momar and his team became resourceful and learned to do more with less. They also began building strategic relationships.
This experience taught him the importance of building trust and credibility. “The experience also cultivated resilience and a commitment to sustainable growth,” Momar says.
Moving Beyond Senegal’s Borders
Momar may have started small, but he is now in a position to expand RIDWAN GROUP’s presence across Africa. He has already opened their first office outside Senegal, which to him is one of the proudest moments of his career. “The new office marked a shift from a national to a pan-African mindset,” Momar says. “This expansion not only proved our business model but also inspired our team and partners to think beyond borders.”
Establishing a business in a new country is not at all easy. Strategies that worked in Senegal might not work there. So, Momar, an astute entrepreneur, refined their internal structure and made good use of the technology to gain a foothold in the new country. His efforts have opened up opportunities in countries across Africa, Europe, and North America, including the U.S., France, Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Rwanda, and others.
“Our bold step redefined our capacity and set the tone for regional and international impact,” Momar says.
Steering a Multi-Sector Group
Momar is steering a group that serves multiple sectors. This diversification presents exciting opportunities as well as challenges. As the CEO, he had to integrate diverse industries under the umbrella of RIDWAN GROUP. He says that it was a challenge to integrate sectors such as construction, HR, health insurance, and catering. “Each sector has its own dynamics,” he points out. “But there is also a synergy between them.” For instance, their construction business helps them gain an understanding of infrastructure needs, which can end up being beneficial across multiple sectors. Their HR and Health Insurance businesses, on the other hand, equip them with the ability to address human and social aspects of any business.
Now that RIDWAN GROUP is expanding its presence across Africa, Momar also has to navigate the complex regulatory environment of each country. He admits it is a challenge, but he also points out that it offers them an edge in innovation and local adaptation. As the CEO of RIDWAN GROUP, Momar is focused on building solutions that are sustainable and inclusive. He is committed to delivering value.
The Leadership Style
Momar’s exemplary and visionary leadership is fueling economic growth not only in his home country but also beyond its borders. His leadership, grounded in integrity, innovation, and impact, is setting a new standard for entrepreneurial excellence across Africa. To his team, Momar is not only their CEO but also their mentor and inspiration.
“And, from the outset, I’ve always believed that leadership is not about command, but about serving with purpose,” he says.
Momar is a great listener and is open to suggestions from all levels. He is also known for his ability to identify new opportunities and quickly adapt to changes, which has enabled him to build a successful and impactful company. And honesty is the hallmark of every decision he makes. As a result, there is transparency in his engagement with stakeholders.
Momar’s leadership is positively impacting both the community and its people.
Making a Difference in Communities
RIDWAN Group believes in shared prosperity and wants to make a difference in their communities. Momar says that through youth employment, recruitment, training sessions, and integration opportunities, they positively impact communities. Under his leadership, RIDWAN GROUP also builds infrastructure, such as school canteens, and provides medical support to women and other vulnerable individuals through their social welfare institute, which offers access to free healthcare.
Additionally, RIDWAN GROUP has also financed the education of many and continues to do so. “We are discreetly supporting the needs of numerous families,” Momar says. “We are deeply invested in social impact and are committed to expanding this footprint across the African continent and beyond.”
Defining Success in Tangible and Intangible Terms
Momar’s story is one of success. He defines success in both tangible and intangible terms. RIDWAN GROUP’s expansion into multiple countries beyond the borders of Senegal is an example of tangible success for Momar. Another example is the sectoral impact that shows the group’s economic footprint, according to him.
The growing presence of RIDWAN GROUP across Africa is creating jobs for local communities. Momar sees it as a prime example of their intangible success. The development of talent and impacting people through health services are also important measures of success for him. Through these efforts, they are touching the lives of people. “All these reflect our social contribution,” Momar says.
He believes success is not just about revenue, but it is also about relevance and impact.
Maintaining a Work-Life Balance
Some leaders are so focused on their work that they fail to strike a balance between their personal and professional lives. Momar is not among them, as he is intentional about maintaining a work-life balance. He prioritizes time management and does not believe in overseeing every aspect of his group. He delegates tasks to his team members, sets boundaries for rest, and makes time for personal wellness.
Outside of work, Momar invests his time in mentorship and enjoys spending time with his family, which keeps him grounded. He also actively engages with his community.
“Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint,” he says. “Making every effort to enhance the balance between family and professional life lies at the heart of our activities.”
Africans Stepping into Leadership Roles
African business leaders are often overshadowed by their foreign counterparts. Momar is changing that, and he believes that they are capable of reshaping the global narrative. If opportunities are presented to them, African leaders can prove their mettle and emerge as leading global players across industries, according to him. They possess unique insights, the ability to innovate under constraints, and a deep sense of community – all of which make them remarkable in every sense of the word.
“We should step into leadership roles and showcase African excellence, advocate for equitable trade, and foster partnerships that benefit both the continent and the world,” Momar says.
Message to Aspiring Leaders in Africa
Africa has the youngest population in the world. Inspired by Momar, many of them are likely to follow in his footsteps and build impactful and sustainable enterprises. He advises them to start with purpose, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and not compromise on their values. He also encourages them to be a learner.
As Momar understands the value of a good team, he advises aspiring leaders to focus on building the right one. “And you should prioritize social impact as much as financial success,” he says. “Africa needs leaders who are builders of people and systems.”
