Creating, funding and growing a set of companies able to meet the needs of African markets over the long term.
The founder of Bourjon Investment SA Holding, Narcisse Yaovi ZOLLA, decided to devote himself to entrepreneurship in 2003. A civil engineer (1999, Benin), he gained several years of experience in infrastructure construction with the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV, 2000–2005).
As part of his master's research in Entrepreneurship (Mauritius & France, 2006), he made two key observations regarding the range of products and services available in French-speaking West African countries: - the demand for products and services is significant but structurally “fragmented,” - the socioeconomic environment is not conducive to…
From there, in October 2007, the current group known as “HOLDING BOURJON INVESTMENT SA” began its operations with the creation of its first subsidiary (BOURJON SARL). Furthermore, this step followed an instructive failure the Founder had experienced with another company (MUNICIPAL WORKS SA, 2005).
Building on these valuable early experiences, the founder was ultimately able to convince the Impact Investment Fund (I&P, www.ietp.com) to invest alongside him in a new company (BHELIX SA, 2008). The transformation that took place during this latest win-win collaboration with I&P—centered on entrepreneurial challenges—undoubtedly paved the way for the…
From that point on, it became easier to have handpicked young entrepreneurs launch new startups, each time with new teams of investors. This approach led to the founding of various companies, including: WALCO SARL in 2014, 3DTECHLOGIS SARL in 2016, NORMAT SERVICES SA in 2017, WACE SARL in 2019, BOURJON…
We support the rise of an ecosystem of efficient companies delivering products and services suited to the needs of African communities.
Our approach draws on “Jugaad innovation” — doing more with less, and fast — to build lasting assets rather than simply multiply money.
HBI is structured on two levels. The first steers group-wide strategic activities: funding, equity investment and support. The second covers the operational activities of the subsidiaries, whose growth stems from the support they receive.
This model lets each subsidiary gradually gain autonomy while drawing on the group's resources and governance.
The group was founded by Narcisse Yaovi ZOLLA, who chairs it. The holding, a public limited company, owns and manages the stakes in the various subsidiaries.
Head office: Ilot 742, Gbégamey Ahito, Cotonou, Bénin. Some holdings also operate in Mali through our regional companies.