Elhadj Mohamed Habib Hann

Introduction

Born into a noble lineage from Dinguiraye, Elhadj Mohamed Habib Hann marked Guinea's economic history through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to private sector development. The son of the late Elhadj Boubacar Gallé Hann, one of the first presidents of the Guinean employers' association, he brilliantly perpetuated and enriched his family's legacy.

At a very young age, Mohamed Habib made the crucial choice to leave school to support his father in managing the family business. What might have seemed like abandoning education actually became the starting point of a remarkable rise in the business world. As he often liked to remind people: "I've come from far," transforming each obstacle into an opportunity and each challenge into a stepping stone toward excellence.

Diversified Economic Empire

Over the decades, Elhadj Mohamed Habib Hann progressively built a true multisectoral economic empire. Beginning in the 1970s, he took the helm of Groupe Hann & Compagnie, demonstrating exceptional strategic vision that allowed him to distinguish himself in several key areas of the Guinean economy.

His impressive entrepreneurial journey includes:

• Managing a fleet of 350 special transport trucks alongside his father
• Participating in the establishment of the diamond company Aredor
• Making a major contribution to the implementation of Société Générale des Banques in Guinea
• Playing a decisive role in the privatization of SOPOCIMENT, which later became Ciment de Guinée-Lafargeholcim
• Founding the Société Guinéenne de Pétrole (SGP)
• Making significant investments in the insurance sector with the creation of SONAG
• Establishing the Générale des Transports de Commerce (GTC logistique)
• Creating the Compagnie Pétrolière de Guinée (COPEG)
• Making important contributions to companies such as BONAGUI and Eaux Coyah

His ability to navigate between different strategic economic sectors – transport, mining, hydrocarbons, insurance, banking, industry – demonstrates a global vision of development and an acute understanding of national economic issues.

Leader of the Guinean Employers' Association

Beyond his personal entrepreneurial successes, Elhadj Mohamed Habib Hann established himself as an essential figure in the Guinean business community. His commitment to unifying and modernizing the private sector led him to hold important positions in several employers' organizations.

In December 2016, he was elected president of the National Council of Guinean Employers (CNPG), an organization originally founded by his father. During his term, he worked tirelessly for the unity of Guinean employers, then divided by internal disputes. His motto, "For the emergence of our economy, unity is fundamental," perfectly summarizes his philosophy and commitment to a united and prosperous Guinea.

Facing the division that weakened the employers' association, Elhadj Hann proposed establishing a transition team responsible for organizing transparent and inclusive elections. This approach reflects his constant desire to prioritize collective interest over personal ambitions.

In 2023, he rose to the position of vice-president of the General Confederation of Guinean Enterprises (CGE-GUI), thus crowning years of efforts to unite the different components of the Guinean private sector. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in public-private dialogue and in promoting a favorable business environment.

International Recognition

Elhadj Mohamed Habib Hann's influence extends far beyond national borders. He established himself as a respected figure in international economic circles, particularly within the International Labour Office (ILO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

In January 2021, he was distinguished among the 50 best business leaders in Guinea and West Africa during the 11th edition of the "Guinea Best Company Awards." This recognition particularly highlighted his exemplary management during the COVID-19 pandemic, having been able to preserve jobs within his companies despite economic difficulties.

On July 15, 2023, he received the prestigious Pan-African Leaders Grand Prix trophy in Casablanca, a distinction that consecrated his exceptional career and managerial expertise. On this occasion, true to his characteristic humility, he dedicated this award to the entire Guinean private sector.

Committed Patriot

Beyond being a prosperous businessman, Elhadj Mohamed Habib Hann was above all a convinced patriot, deeply attached to the development of his country. He carried within him the dream of an industrialized Guinea, sovereign over its resources, equipped with modern infrastructure, and driven by bold entrepreneurial youth.

His commitment to the national cause was particularly evident during the regime change in 2021, which he welcomed as an opportunity to rebuild the country's economic governance. "It was time for new governance, and it is still time for a total overhaul, a restructuring of the Guinean private sector," he declared at the time, advocating for an end to favoritism and the instrumentalization of the private sector.

Model of Leadership and Integrity

All those who have worked with him agree in recognizing Elhadj Mohamed Habib Hann as a model of benevolent and deeply human leadership. His wisdom, discretion, and high sense of responsibility made him a valuable interlocutor, capable of listening, advising, and bringing people together.

He embodied values of honor, rigor, and loyalty, rooted in the Tijaniyya tradition from which he came. His economic success never distanced him from his roots or his deep convictions.

As the Minister of Trade, Industry, and SMEs emphasized during his funeral: "He was an artisan of consensus, a builder of public-private dialogue, a reference point for several generations of entrepreneurs."

Lasting Legacy

Having passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 66 after an illness, Elhadj Mohamed Habib Hann leaves behind a considerable legacy. His funeral, held on April 6 at the People's Palace in Conakry in the presence of numerous political and economic personalities, testified to the immense respect he inspired.

His son, Boubacar Hann, promised to perpetuate the values defended by his father: "I will continue to embody the virtues he always cultivated, namely love for others and for family."

Guinea loses an emblematic figure with his passing, but his influence endures through the institutions he helped build and the values he embodied. His journey, from the teenager who left school to support his father to the internationally respected businessman, constitutes a source of inspiration for young Guinean entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

The journey of Elhadj Mohamed Habib Hann perfectly illustrates what determination, vision, and integrity can accomplish. His work extends far beyond the scope of his economic achievements to touch the very essence of national development.

As so aptly summarized in a posthumous tribute: "There are men whose trajectory transcends the contours of their existence, and whose work, patiently built in discretion and constancy, becomes a legacy for the entire nation."

Guinea has lost a builder, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and economic leaders, carrying the same dream of a prosperous and sovereign Guinea.