Philibert Adankon: Making a Difference in Benin’s Ministry of Economy and Finance

Sciences Po Paris School of International Affairs and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumnus, Philibert Adankon.

Akoben: Stories of Impact. Tales of Courage is a series that speaks about the power of education as a tool for transformative change in the world. They are told through the lens of Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni. Here is Philibert’s story.

Philibert Adankon has always been passionate about finance and making a difference in his community. Upon completing his master’s at Sciences Po in 2021, Philibert decided to serve his home country, Benin, by joining the Cabinet of the Senior Minister in charge of the Economy and Finance of Benin.

“I think working in [the] public sector has a bad reputation. Like when you say to someone you are working with the government, I think for most of us, the first thing we think about is corruption. You’ve got corrupt people, you are working with corrupt people. But things are different in reality.”

Growing up in Adjarra, in the south of Benin, Philibert excelled academically and was awarded best performing student in his final year of high school. This academic feat earned him two scholarships to pursue his undergraduate studies. One was from the Benin government, and the other was from Fondation Vallet.

He was introduced to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by his undergraduate [advisor?] who encouraged him to apply based on the extensive support. Philibert agreed to apply, convinced by the prospect of continuing his studies at a leading European and international university in social sciences (Sciences Po Paris) and the opportunity to benefit from a full scholarship and tailor-made support package.

Philibert is grateful for the opportunity to study in an international environment, which he credits with giving him different perspectives and world views regarding his work and day-to-day activities. Philibert also took the opportunity to capitalize on workshops, mentorship programs, and other resources made available to him through the Sciences Po network, all of which prepared him for an easy transition to work.

After studying at Sciences Po, Philibert was recommended by a former colleague who felt he would be helpful in public service. Philibert accepted the challenge and, a few years after finishing university, started working in Benin’s Ministry of Economy and Finance as an Advisor to the Cabinet Senior Minister. Though Philibert is deeply grateful for the opportunity he had to study abroad, he felt a deep conviction to return to his home country to make an impact.

“Working in the public sector in Africa is different from Europe. What I like about Africa, specifically Benin, is because of the opportunities available for resourceful young people to make the difference. What I like is the broad responsibilities. I work on infrastructure, energy, etc, so the learning curve is very big and you can learn a lot within a short period of time.”

Two (2) years later, Philibert is filled with a deep sense of satisfaction due to the impact that he has been empowered to make. Philibert remains optimistic about the opportunities that exist in Africa and encourages Africans studying abroad to consider returning to their countries to give back.

Philibert remains fully aware of the stigma surrounding some public institutions in Africa. He believes that people do not need to follow unethical practices in public institutions and can work to be agents of change and transformative leaders.

The most important thing is to be helpful to my community, country and people around me. I have the chance to do so every day with different government projects. This is very important. I also had the chance sometimes to speak with young people willing to follow in my footsteps. Part-time, I speak with young students to advise them on their career path. It is just about being helpful to the country, community and anyone who needs it.”

Philibert remains deeply committed and passionate about giving back. Outside the office, Philibert continues to speak to young people who desire to follow in his footsteps by advising them on their career paths. In his spare time, he is currently working on an EdTech solution to assist high school graduates and students in selecting their university programs and fulfilling their professional goals. This project has been awarded seed funding from the Mastercard Foundation. As far as Philibert is concerned, the most important thing is to be of service to his community, country and those around him who need his help.

Read more stories from the Akoben series