In the heart of Libreville, Gabon, a young boy watched his world evolve. From the bustling streets of the capital city to the far-reaching corners of Africa, Mouhamed Sanni’s journey has been extraordinary. But his path to becoming a renowned entrepreneur didn’t begin in boardrooms or investment meetings; it started on the winding roads of South Africa, with a simple but life-changing conversation between two friends.
A conversation that would spark an entrepreneurial revolution in Gabon. It was November 2023 when Mouhamed, along with his co-founder, discussed an opportunity that would change the retail landscape of their homeland forever. What began as a humble seed of an idea would soon grow into OKIRA MARKET, a chain of neighborhood supermarkets that would cater to Gabon’s growing need for convenience, variety, and innovation.
A Childhood in Libreville
Mouhamed’s story began where most stories of success do—at home, in Libreville. “I was born and raised in Libreville, Gabon,” he recalls, his voice carrying the weight of memories from his formative years.
Education, he believes, was the key that unlocked his potential. After high school, he earned a scholarship to study in the United States, where he attended Eastern Michigan University. “I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science,” he says. “That period was crucial because it opened my eyes to the power of technology and how it can be used to address challenges back home in Africa.”
Despite the vast distance between Gabon and the U.S., Mouhamed’s heart never strayed far from the continent. His academic journey fueled a passion to leverage technology to solve local issues, and after his studies, he returned home determined to make an impact.
The Birth of OKIRA MARKET
The spark that ignited OKIRA MARKET came from an unexpected place: a road trip. “Where do I start?” Mouhamed laughs, remembering the conversation he and his co-founder had while driving from Johannesburg to Pretoria in November 2023. They were pondering a potential business venture when an opportunity surfaced through a partnership with SANGEL, a major chain of frozen goods stores operating in both Gabon and Ivory Coast.
“Their clients were looking for dry goods in addition to the frozen ones, they had to go somewhere else to complete their shopping,” Mouhamed explains. Recognizing the gap, he and his co-founder decided to position themselves strategically by opening neighbourhood supermarkets within SANGEL’s commercial centers in Libreville, offering customers a one-stop-shop for all their grocery needs.
By June 2024, the first OKIRA MARKET store opened its doors, and the journey began. “It wasn’t just about selling groceries; it was about understanding consumer behavior and adjusting our services to cater to the community,” he adds.
But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. “When we launched, we didn’t have everything figured out,” Mouhamed admits. “The store wasn’t fully stocked, and we didn’t have enough capital to cover our costs for the next three to six months. But we believed in our concept, and that belief kept us going.”
Six months later, the concept proved viable, attracting investors who saw the potential in their vision. Today, OKIRA MARKET stands as a testament to perseverance, innovation, and a willingness to adapt.
Overcoming the Hurdles
No entrepreneurial journey is without its challenges, and Mouhamed’s path was no exception. “Funding is always a challenge,” he reflects. “For us, it was never enough to scale up. But you have to keep going, keep learning, and keep adjusting your strategy.”
The first few months were a period of constant learning. “When we launched OKIRA MARKET, our products were limited. Most of our aisles were half empty, but we made a conscious effort to recruit the best team and provide the best possible service, even in the face of adversity,” he says.
Mouhamed credits his resilience to the lessons he learned along the way. “I cannot talk about my successes without mentioning my failures,” he admits. “I’ve failed, and failed again, but each time I’ve reinvented myself. I never gave up.”
One of his first entrepreneurial ventures was a flower business that he started after returning to Gabon in 2012. “I used to drive to South Africa to buy fresh flowers in bulk and sell them from the back of my car in Libreville,” he says with a smile. “I abandoned that business when I received a job offer at the National Oil Company (GOC).”
In 2017, Mouhamed pivoted to the entertainment industry, founding a company that hosted events, including a concert with Mr. Eazi. The event was a failure, but it was a turning point. “It resulted in no return on investment and left me in significant debt. But that failure taught me the importance of understanding your market before jumping in,” he shares.
Two years later, at a colleague’s wedding, Mouhamed saw an opportunity to start a new venture—event rentals. “I noticed that guests were scattered around the venue with no dance floor, so I decided to pivot again, this time into the rental equipment business. We ordered our first dance floor, and within weeks, we were booking events every weekend.”
Beyond OKIRA MARKET: Expanding Horizons
Mouhamed’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond OKIRA MARKET. “I am also the co-founder of Zaavo, a last-mile bike delivery logistics company,” he explains. “Last year, I joined Blue Savanna, a pan-African firm that helps international companies establish themselves in the African market.”
The firm operates across several African nations, including Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Gabon, Senegal, and Cameroon, and Mouhamed is proud of the work they do. “We help international businesses navigate the complexities of entering African markets. It’s about leveraging our experience and networks to guide them through market entry, regulatory compliance, and local adaptation,” he says.
In the ever-evolving business world, Mouhamed keeps a keen eye on emerging trends and technologies. “AI is a big focus for us,” he says with excitement. “We’re looking at how artificial intelligence can help us predict customer behavior and enhance our marketing strategies.”
Additionally, OKIRA MARKET plans to launch an online store by the end of the next quarter, further expanding their reach. “We want to make shopping as convenient as possible for our customers, and an online platform will allow us to do that,” he explains.
Leadership and Learning
Reflecting on his journey, Mouhamed shares the most significant lesson he’s learned: “You don’t have to do it alone. In the early days, I wanted to prove that I could do everything myself. But that was a mistake. I learned the importance of collaboration, and with OKIRA MARKET, my co-founder, who is a finance expert, and I combine our strengths to make better decisions.”
Mouhamed also emphasizes the role of leadership in entrepreneurship. “Last year, I completed a fellowship in Leadership and Product Management at the African Leadership University. Today, I apply what I’ve learned to improve my leadership skills and manage my teams better.”
Mouhamed Sanni’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, patience, and the willingness to learn from both failures and successes. His story is one of overcoming adversity, innovating in the face of challenges, and creating something that can truly impact the lives of others.
“I’m still learning every day,” he says, his eyes filled with a quiet determination. “Entrepreneurship is not about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to adapt, grow, and lead with purpose. And that’s the journey I’m on.”
From the streets of Libreville to the boardrooms of Africa, Mouhamed’s vision is clear: to use innovation and technology to create lasting impact, not just in Gabon, but across the continent. His story is far from over—and for anyone following his journey, it’s a thrilling one to witness.
