He has nearly 20 years of experience in IT project management and software solution sales in France. As an entrepreneur, he develops innovative solutions in the e-commerce and education sectors.

Emeric Koda (photo), a Franco-Togolese tech entrepreneur, is the co-founder and CEO of Esseyi, an edtech startup headquartered in Cotonou, Benin. The name Esseyi, which means “knowledge,” “intelligence,” or “wisdom” in Ikposso a language spoken in Togo reflects the company’s core mission: advancing education and professional growth in Africa.

Founded in 2023 by Koda alongside Max Agueh and Léo Benoist, Esseyi has introduced a digital platform that allows students to search for and enroll in educational programs tailored to their needs. Upon completing their studies, users can apply directly for job opportunities through the platform. For higher education institutions, Esseyi provides strategic tools to enhance their visibility across Africa, expand recruitment opportunities, and build their reputation on both local and international stages.

At the heart of Esseyi’s mission is a commitment to elevating knowledge as a cornerstone of progress. As the company’s website notes, “We must place knowledge at the center of our priorities, as it has become a vital factor for transforming the African continent in the decades to come.”

Beyond Esseyi, Koda leads Bakatu Agency, an e-commerce company he founded in France in 2023. The agency supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and microbusinesses in creating and managing their online stores.

As a board member of SINGA Nantes, a French organization fostering initiatives by immigrants, Koda also actively promotes diversity in entrepreneurship.

Koda has a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Polytech Nantes (2003) and an MBA from IAE France (2004), a network of university business schools.

He launched his career in 2004 as a business consultant at automotive supplier Valeo. Two years later, he joined ECP Digital Services, specializing in project management information systems, where he worked as a project manager and later as a sales engineer.

In 2014, Koda took on the role of sales manager at Eudonet CRM, a cloud-based customer relationship management solutions provider. His career trajectory continued upward in 2017 when he joined retail tech company Akeneo. There, he served as a senior account manager and later as head of sales for Southern Europe from 2019 to 2023.

By Melchior Koba,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji