Doussou Nabé

Introduction

Doussou Nabé today embodies the excellence of Guinean female leadership in the maritime sector. General Director of the Guinean Naval Company (SNG) since January 2022, this exceptional woman has successfully transformed a struggling institution into one of the country's most performing public enterprises. Her exceptional journey and remarkable achievements make her an essential figure in Guinea's economic landscape.

A Strategic Appointment

January 24, 2022, marks a decisive turning point in Doussou Nabé's trajectory. Appointed by decree of the transition president, General Mamadi Doumbouya, she officially takes the helm of the Guinean Naval Company, accompanied by her deputy general director, Aboubacar Naba Camara. This appointment is part of the state refoundation vision carried by the transition authorities.

Upon taking office, Doussou Nabé expresses her full awareness of the responsibilities awaiting her: "I measure the immensity of the trust and all the challenge this represents for Guinean youth within the framework of state refoundation so dear to the CNRD president." This declaration already reveals her determination to meet the challenges inherent in managing such a strategic institution for the national economy.

Reforms and Challenges

Doussou Nabé succeeds Fatoumata Bineta Fall, who had led the SNG for one year and six months. Under the latter's direction, important reforms had been initiated: organizational and functional audits, creation of the transit and consignment service, establishment of a procurement commission, capacity building for executives, and training of 50 executives at the Dakar center in maritime and logistics.

Building on this legacy, Doussou Nabé commits to continuing and amplifying this modernization dynamic. She doesn't hesitate to acknowledge the importance of relying on her predecessors' experience, declaring that she "will not hesitate for a single moment to seek advice from the outgoing Director for better management of the institution."

Since her appointment, Doussou Nabé has orchestrated a true revolution within the Guinean Naval Company. Her achievements are multiple and testify to a clear strategic vision and exceptional execution capacity.

Among her most emblematic achievements is the total rehabilitation and equipment of the Sandervalia Maritime Station, crucial infrastructure for Guinean maritime transport. She has also supervised the construction of a floating bridge and a wharf at Fotoba, as well as the complete finalization of work on the SNG's Kamsar representation office.

Under her direction, the SNG has considerably strengthened its transport capacity with the opening of new maritime routes. The Conakry-Freetown connection now operates with a vessel capable of carrying more than 200 passengers, while the Kaloum-Loos Islands connection has a 70-seat vessel. The acquisition of a new vessel with a capacity of 320 passengers testifies to the continuous expansion of the fleet.

Digital Transformation

Doussou Nabé has placed digital transformation at the heart of her strategy. The SNG is experiencing a true technological mutation with the acquisition of more modern and intelligent vessels, implementation of cutting-edge software, dematerialization of internal processes, establishment of online payments, and digital signatures. This transition toward an innovative naval company is part of a continuous service improvement approach.

Management Style

Doussou Nabé's leadership is characterized by a human and collaborative approach. She has managed to create a friendly work atmosphere that pushes teams to unleash their full potential. Her management style, based on hard work, discipline, and perseverance, has established a climate of trust and motivation within the company.

Her management philosophy is summarized in her own words: "My guiding thread remains and will always be the vision of the Transport authority and that of the Transition president, General Mamadi Doumbouya, in his ambition to provide Guinea with cutting-edge naval infrastructure." This collaborative approach and loyalty to national orientations constitute the pillars of her success.

Strategic Vision for the Future

Doussou Nabé doesn't just manage daily operations; she projects the SNG toward the future. Her modernization vision encompasses not only infrastructure and equipment but also working methods. She has established flexible and reactive working methods, agile approaches that prepare the company for future technological challenges.

This vision translates into a strengthened digital presence, particularly on social media, allowing the SNG to be closer to its clients and the population. This modern communication strategy testifies to her understanding of contemporary communication challenges.

Recognition and Distinctions

The excellence of her work doesn't go unnoticed. In September 2024, Doussou Nabé is selected among the personalities who are moving Guinea forward during the 8th edition of the National Forum of Public Actors (FONAP). This recognition highlights three major axes of her governance: her sincere commitment to providing the SNG with worthy infrastructure, her continuous will to improve services, and her vision oriented toward modernity and technology.

In May 2025, she receives the Féminia Gold Prize for the third consecutive year, placing her among the 100 most dynamic women in Guinea and West Africa. This repeated distinction testifies to the consistency of her commitment and the quality of her results.

Challenges and Controversies

Doussou Nabé's journey is not without challenges. In December 2023, she faces accusations of alleged embezzlement of public funds, particularly concerning the purchase of three Prado vehicles without the Board of Directors' approval. Although these allegations created media controversy, they also illustrate the challenges inherent in managing a public company in a context of moralizing public life.

Social and Economic Impact

Beyond financial and operational performance, Doussou Nabé has developed a corporate social responsibility approach that makes the SNG a citizen company. This social dimension manifests through support for social, humanitarian, and development projects, as well as attention to staff welfare.

In May 2025, the delivery of two new buses for staff transport illustrates this constant concern for employees' working conditions. As she explains: "These buses are concrete proof of our will to create a conducive, motivating, and dignified work environment for all our personnel."

International Influence

Doussou Nabé has built her influence well beyond Guinea's borders, developing a network that extends to actors in the entrepreneurial, development, and diplomatic world in the sub-region. This international dimension of her action contributes to Guinea's influence in the regional maritime sector.

Conclusion

Doussou Nabé represents the archetype of the modern Guinean leader: visionary, pragmatic, and resolutely oriented toward the future. Her journey at the head of the Guinean Naval Company perfectly illustrates how enlightened leadership can transform an institution and contribute significantly to national economic development.

Her ability to combine operational excellence, technological innovation, and social responsibility makes her a reference in the African entrepreneurial landscape. As Guinea engages in a new phase of its development, leaders like Doussou Nabé embody the hope of sustainable and inclusive transformation.

Her continued commitment to making the Guinean Naval Company an essential actor in the national and regional maritime sector thus contributes to the vision of a modern and prosperous Guinea. In a sector traditionally dominated by men, she proves that excellence has no gender and that determination, combined with competence, can overcome all obstacles.

Doussou Nabé thus remains a source of inspiration for future generations, demonstrating that female leadership can be a powerful engine of economic and social transformation in Africa.