Africa: NEOMA and WOLE Institute launch the Executive Certificate “Business Development and Strategic Negotiations”

NEOMA Business School, a leading French business school, and WOLE Institute, the professional training brand of SEPHIS Group, are formalising a major strategic partnership with the launch of the Executive Certificate in “Business Development and Strategic Negotiations.” Designed for African executives and senior leaders, this high-level intensive programme, equivalent to a Master’s level, stands out as a response to the growing role of African organisations within international value chains. The objective: to support business leaders, executives, managers and entrepreneurs across the continent in acquiring advanced negotiation skills, tailored to complex and intercultural environments.

A cutting-edge Executive Certificate, combined with a Paris Sales Bootcamp

Launching in March 2026, the new Executive Certificate in “Business Development and Strategic Negotiations” from NEOMA and WOLE Institute will engage participants in an intensive 12-week e-learning programme. The course covers all the key skills required of modern leaders, including international business development, complex transaction management, lobbying and geopolitics.

In parallel, professionals will have the opportunity to take part in an intensive Sales Bootcamp in Paris, organised by NEOMA in June 2026. This in-person module will offer the chance to deepen negotiation, influence and complex situation management techniques, in order to progress in an international environment alongside recognised experts.

A structuring partnership for Francophone Africa

This new alliance provides NEOMA (whose Executive Education is ranked Top 12 worldwide and Top 4 in France by the Financial Times) with the opportunity to combine its academic excellence with WOLE Institute’s strategic vision and its deep understanding of the specificities of the African market. This partnership will enable NEOMA to strengthen its presence on the continent and confirms its status as an internationally recognised academic reference. It is part of the School’s strong commitment to supporting the skills development of African leaders on key topics related to international commercial performance.

“We are delighted to strengthen our presence on the African continent through this partnership with WOLE Institute. This Executive Certificate illustrates our shared ambition: to offer high-level programmes capable of addressing the economic, commercial and geopolitical challenges African organisations face,” explains Stéphane Dubreuille, Director of Executive Education at NEOMA Business School.

For WOLE Institute, based in Abidjan and connected to several Francophone African countries, this collaboration represents a major step forward in its mission. “This partnership with NEOMA marks a turning point for WOLE Institute. It enables African professionals to train in the best international practices, while integrating analytical tools adapted to their realities. Our vision has always been to contribute to the emergence of leaders capable of negotiating, creating value and influencing the major commercial dynamics of the continent,” says Sefora Kodjo, Managing Director, SEPHIS Group.

Backed by SEPHIS Group, the Institute supports each year professionals committed to advancing their careers, giving them access to unique opportunities in leadership, management, entrepreneurship and innovation, while remaining connected to African economic realities.