Who am I ?

I am originally from Kandi, in Alibori, and I represent a generation of young Beninese leaders who combine faith, rigor, and social commitment.

Born on November 27, 1989, in Natitingou, I remain deeply attached to my homeland, which I consider to be my source of inspiration and resilience.

I am the son of Dr. Ibouraima Safiri, a researcher at the University of Abomey-Calavi, and Mama Issa Taibatou, both originally from Kandi.

I grew up in a family that combined a love of knowledge, faith, and respect for traditions.

My childhood was marked by several moves as my father was transferred from Natitingou to Parakou, then to Abomey-Calavi, but I have never stopped proudly claiming my Alibori roots.

My pilgrimage to Mecca was a defining moment for me.

Since then, I have humbly borne the title of El Hadj, which I consider a constant reminder of righteousness, service, and responsibility.

IBOURAIMA SAFIRI Abdel Haqq

MY BACKGROUND

Check out my resume

I have always been passionate about academic excellence. After graduating from high school with honors, I pursued an international education : Hassan 1st University in Settat (Morocco), INTEC in Paris (France), ESCAE in Niger, before returning to Benin to prepare a PhD in sociology and rural economics at the University of Abomey-Calavi.

Professionally, I have had the honor of holding several positions of responsibility:

Deputy Director General of the National Agency for Agricultural Diversification,
Senior Finance Manager and Regional Project Manager at German Cooperation (GIZ).

Recognized for my ability to find solutions, I am affectionately nicknamed “Haqq Solution” in Natitingou, my hometown. But I always remember that my true strength comes from Kandi and Alibori.

Beyond titles and positions, I remain deeply committed to social action. I founded an organization that finances the education of many children, installs drinking water wells, and supports vulnerable families.

Married with three children, I constantly convey this message to young people: “You should only eat what you have cooked yourself. Young people suffer because they are unwilling to wait patiently to prepare for their future.”

A polyglot (French, English, German, and national languages), investor, and trainer, I aspire to inspire a new generation of African leaders and make Kandi and Alibori symbols of success, faith, and resilience.

My career extends beyond Benin. I have participated in major development projects in the ECOWAS region, as well as in East and Southern Africa (Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Kenya).

These initiatives have transformed organizations, strengthened agricultural value chains, and opened up new economic opportunities for thousands of people.

At every stage, I have sought to build trust, place transparency at the heart of processes, and ensure visible and sustainable results.

I consider myself a builder of hope and generations. My story is not only my own, but that of an African youth that is rising up. I deeply believe that with hard work, integrity, and competence, we can transform our communities and uphold the ambition of a prosperous and united Africa.