Mourana Soumah is a Guinean politician and technocrat currently serving as the Minister of Economy and Finance in Bah Oury's government since March 2024. Former Director General of Treasury and Public Accounting (2021-2024), this man in his fifties has built a solid career in public finance management following his studies at Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Conakry and several prestigious international training programs, including a diploma from ENA Paris-Strasbourg.
Recognized for his technical expertise and managerial skills, he marked his tenure at the Guinean Treasury with important reforms, notably the implementation of the Single Treasury Account and the digitalization of financial services. His international reputation was confirmed by his election as president of the International Association of Treasury Services in 2023. Described as an energetic and visionary leader, Mourana Soumah is also appreciated for his social commitment, his attachment to Guinean cultural values, and his dedication to the economic development of his country.
Introduction
Mourana Soumah is an emblematic figure in the Guinean political and economic landscape. As the current Minister of Economy and Finance in the Bah Oury government, this statesman with multiple competencies has established himself as an essential actor in the management of his country's public finances. His exemplary career path, professional rigor, and dedication to public service make him one of the most respected technocrats in contemporary Guinea.
Academic Background
Born in Guinea, Mourana Soumah proudly defines himself as "a pure product of Guinean Schools and Universities." It was at Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Conakry that he obtained his first degree in Economic Sciences at the end of the 1990s, thereby laying solid foundations for his future career.
While deeply attached to his Guinean academic roots, Mourana Soumah has also enriched his background with numerous high-level international training programs:
- A Diploma from the International Cycle of the National School of Public Administration (ENA) in Paris-Strasbourg in 2008, specializing in Economics and Public Finance
- A Third Cycle Diploma-Master's in Economic Policy Management from the Center for Studies and Research on International Development (CERDI - University of Auvergne) in Clermont-Ferrand, obtained in 2004 thanks to a World Bank scholarship
- Numerous specialized training courses at the IMF Institute in Washington
This solid academic foundation, at the crossroads of Guinean and international knowledge, has given him recognized expertise in the field of public finance and economics.
Professional Career
Mourana Soumah's career is characterized by consistent and methodical progression within Guinean financial institutions. His career path demonstrates a regular increase in skills and an in-depth knowledge of the workings of his country's financial administration.
Early Promising Career (1999-2008)
Mourana Soumah began his career at PRIDE Finances in 1999 before joining the tax services in 2003. Between 2006 and 2008, he held the position of Research Officer at the Central Treasury Accounting Agency, where he began to familiarize himself with the mechanisms of public accounting and state finance management.
Expertise at the Service of the Public Treasury (2010-2021)
Between 2010 and 2012, Mourana Soumah actively participated in establishing the Central Accounting Agency for Treasury Deposits with Capital Banking Solution. During this period, he also contributed to developing the Procedures Manuals for Non-tax Revenues and the processing of banking operations.
In 2012, as the Head of the Central Accounting Agency for Treasury Deposits, he was heavily involved in improving the National Payment System and initiated the Digitalization process of Treasury Services and Public Accounting, in collaboration with ATOS Cabinet through the SCIE platform.
One of his major achievements during this period was leading the implementation of the Single Treasury Account (STA) reform, a significant advancement in the modernization of Guinean public finance management.
At the Head of the Public Treasury (2021-2024)
In December 2021, Mourana Soumah was appointed Director General of the Treasury and Public Accounting of Guinea, a recognition of his expertise and skills. In this strategic role, he worked for transparent and efficient management of public funds.
Under his leadership, the Guinean Treasury underwent a notable transformation, particularly with the transfer of state funds to the Treasury General Directorate, thus aligning Guinean practices with international standards. This major reform was hailed as one of the great successes of the political refoundation period in Guinea.
His rigor and efficiency in this position earned him the trust of the highest authorities of the transition, particularly the President of the Republic, General Mamadi Doumbouya.
International and National Recognition
In May 2023, Mourana Soumah's reputation and expertise extended beyond national borders when he was elected President of the International Association of Treasury Services (IATS) during the association's 14th colloquium in Nosy Be, Madagascar. This election by his peers testifies to the international recognition of his skills and vision in the field of public finance.
In parallel with his Treasury functions, Mourana Soumah has also chaired, since June 2022, the Board of Directors of the Road Management Agency (AGEROUTE) and has been a member of the Settlement Committee at the Ministry of Budget.
Minister of Economy and Finance
March 13, 2024, marked a turning point in Mourana Soumah's career when he was appointed Minister of Economy and Finance in Bah Oury's government, replacing Moussa Cissé. This appointment crowned a career of excellence and dedication to the service of the Guinean state.
From the start of his tenure, Mourana Soumah distinguished himself by his mastery of cases and his clear vision of Guinea's economic and financial challenges. On March 26, 2024, he successfully passed his "first oral exam" before the advisors of the National Transition Council (CNT), convincingly defending two important loan agreements intended to finance crucial projects for the country's development:
- The "West Africa Digital Integration Program," financed by the World Bank to the tune of 60 million US dollars
- The Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Rural Areas in the Middle and Upper Guinea regions
Under his leadership, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has recorded significant progress in several areas, notably:
- Clearing domestic debt, with the payment of 126 billion GNF on audited and validated debt
- Improving the absorption rate of international financing, rising from 20% to 30% for World Bank projects
- Diversifying financial partnerships with different international institutions
In March 2025, Mourana Soumah represented Guinea at the 57th session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development in Addis Ababa, advocating for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) program and the prioritization of structural investments in energy and transport infrastructure.
Commitment to Guinea's Development
Beyond his technical expertise and official responsibilities, Mourana Soumah is distinguished by his deep commitment to his country's development and the well-being of his compatriots.
Described as an "emeritus manager" and a "seasoned technocrat," he embodies a new generation of Guinean and African senior executives, characterized by their assertive leadership and ability to find innovative solutions to complex challenges.
In February 2025, in his capacity as chairman of the Steering Committee for the promotion of the Achievements of the CNRD (National Committee for Rally and Development), he expressed his support for the actions of President Mamadi Doumbouya, whom he describes as a "gift to Guinea."
Engaged Personality
Beyond the technocrat, Mourana Soumah is described as a man of multiple facets. Passionate about football, which he played in his youth on the vacant lots of Conakry, he maintains a strong connection with the youth of the Guinean capital.
Deeply attached to his mother, his family, and his homeland, he is also described as a man respectful of religious and cultural values, an art and culture enthusiast. His accessible personality and easy manner have earned him consideration as a role model by many of his compatriots.
Recognized for his humanism and benevolence, Mourana Soumah regularly contributes to artists, youth, women, and notables of Conakry and the hinterland, thus demonstrating his social commitment beyond his official functions.
Vision and Philosophy
Mourana Soumah's professional philosophy can be summarized in this quote attributed to him: "For me, serving is a duty... doing it with dignity, humility, and responsibility is an honor and a pride, exclusively in the service of Guinea and Guineans."
An advocate of Montesquieu's thinking that "useless laws weaken necessary laws," he embodies a pragmatic and effective approach to public management while remaining attached to the values of ethics, transparency, and accountability.
Conclusion
Mourana Soumah represents the embodiment of a new generation of African leaders, combining technical expertise, strategic vision, and patriotic commitment. His journey, from Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Conakry to the highest spheres of the Guinean state, testifies to the possibility of advancement based on merit, competence, and dedication to public service. Through his various responsibilities, he continues to work for the modernization of Guinean public finances and the economic development of his country, while remaining faithful to his values and roots.
