Navigating the complexity of projects in Africa requires less rigidity and more clarity. Sarah Doukoure, Managing Director of Advans CI and former MD of multinationals, has made “strategic vision” her secret weapon to turn instability into opportunity. Here’s how to adopt her mindset.

The problem: The Illusion of linear planning

Sarah’s assessment is unequivocal: 80% of projects fail because they underestimate four volatile risks—inflation, political instability, exchange rate fluctuations, and climate—rendering them obsolete even before launch. Rigid planning in an agile environment is a guarantee of failure.

The expert: Sarah Doukoure

At Engen, in Rwanda and Gabon, Sarah led mergers and acquisitions, restructured subsidiaries, and managed multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects. Every success stems from the practical application of a clear vision, capable of adapting to on-the-ground realities.

Her solution: The “Anti-Cliché vision”

For Sarah, a true vision is not a corporate slogan but an operational compass. It is built in 4 steps:

• Define an inspiring yet concrete future.
• Coldly analyze your environment (strengths/weaknesses).
• Formulate a simple and memorable objective.
• Share it intensely internally and externally to create total alignment.

The result: Proof by example

The method has proven itself. Under her leadership, Engen Rwanda moved from 3rd to 1st place in the market, doubling its number of stations in just six years. A result that demonstrates the power of a shared vision to navigate the unpredictable and achieve tangible goals.

From theory to action: Your next step

Understanding Sarah’s mindset is just the beginning. The real value lies in studying her method applied to a concrete case. In her exclusive case study, “How Sarah Doukoure Led the Expansion of 3 Multinationals in Africa Without Sacrificing Local Execution,” she reveals the behind-the-scenes of her strategy: the management tools, team communication, and decisions that changed everything.

If you are ready to transform how you manage complex projects, access her case study on ENTOURAGE+.

If you wish to go further and adapt her method to your projects, book a session with Sarah Doukoure on Entourage and discuss one-on-one with her about your challenges and your trajectory in Africa.