By Eric Elezuo
Africa is a great land, and Africans are great and intelligent people, contributing more than their quota to the growth and development of world economy, sustainability and peace. This is a direct consequence of the untold efforts of the continent’s men and women of different class and creed, who are doing great things across the length and breadth of the continent and beyond. One of such indefatigable geniuses is the incredible Martial Kpochan, an African of Beniniose descent, who plies his enterprise across every available space in the universe. He majors in trade and investment, auditing and accounting among distinguished entrepreneurial endeavours.
Martial Kpochan image looms large, and speaks volumes in the financial and accounting world as he is reputed to be the brain behind the founding and establishment of the 10 Principles of Economy of Being, which has garnered a wide global recognition.
Born in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on June 30, 1981 to the family of Mr and Mrs Pierrot Kpochan, Martial as he is fondly known among family and friends, is an epitome of business solutions, initiatives and economic renewal, having invested over 20 years of his life in entrepreneurship, garnering experience in financial auditing, accounting expertise, and business and damage valuation. Martial Kpochan has, without equivocation, built a remarkable career rich in diverse experiences and deep expertise.
Martial’s professional career kickstarted in 2002, when he was absorbed at the audit firm, SACOR, in Paris, France. Afterwards, and with a backload of experience, he moved to Montreal, Canada, where he joined Picard Choronzey Inc.
In 2005, he returned to France and worked with BDO and DELOITTE groups in quick succession.
Budding with the zeal to further affect the world, Martial, in 2008, and driven by an entrepreneurial vision, desire to affect humanity, his country of birth and his country of residence, France, he founded Natray Consulting Group, a company he chairs till the present.
Among many of his larger than life academic and professional build-ups and accomplishments, Martial is certified in Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA), a framework developed by the IMF and the World Bank for assessing public financial management.
He is also a statutory auditor at the Court of Appeal of Versailles, and his qualifications also include certifications in business and damage valuation, as well as degrees in accounting expertise and advanced accounting and financial studies. He is a member of the Order of Chartered Accountants of Benin, the Order of Chartered Accountants of France, and the South African Institute of Professional Accountants.
Additionally, Martial Kpochan has led numerous audit and financial expertise missions for prestigious companies, governments, and projects funded by international donors such as the World Bank and the European Union, positioning him as a recognized leader in his field.
Under his leadership, Natray Consulting Group has become a major international player with a significant presence in Africa and Europe. Martial Kpochan’s international experience spans several continents, with missions in France, Canada, Hong Kong, South Africa, West Africa, North Africa, and Central Africa. This exposure to diverse economic contexts has allowed him to develop great openness and a deep understanding of global financial dynamics, enhancing his ability to adapt to local specificities while maintaining a global vision.
In parallel with his career in finance, Martial Kpochan is passionate about humanist philosophy. This intellectual quest led him to found the Institute of Economic and Political Intelligence in 2012, followed by the creation of the Institute of Being, which he currently presides over. This institute aims to defend the public interest in the decision-making process.
In this capacity, he has published the “10 Principles of the Economy of Being,” which he actively promotes in Africa and internationally. Today, Martial Kpochan dedicates himself to the Institute of Being, where he continues to influence public decision-making by defending the general interest.
His dual approach, combining rigorous technical expertise with deep philosophical reflection, gives him a unique perspective on addressing the complex challenges facing contemporary societies. His vision and leadership position him as a key actor capable of making significant contributions to public governance and improving management practices on a global scale.
Aligned with his grand vision of the Economy of Being, he supports the ECRU ESSENCE project, which aims to create a production line using locally made fabric from Benin, bringing it to the forefront. This project could create more than 10,000 long-term jobs. Through his investment, the ecru fabric was showcased in its first fashion show during FESMMA 2024.
His commitment to democracy has led him to participate in two major conferences at the Vatican, one on education and democracy, and the other on democracy in a fragmented world. On these occasions, he had the opportunity to meet the Pope during two audiences.
His involvement and visionary approach have allowed him to meet the President of the Parliament of the Canton of Geneva and participate in a conference at the World Economic Forum.
Martial is an advocate for the dissemination of the “10 Principles of the Economy of Being.” He presented these principles at the Global Governance Fund, an ECOSOC NGO of the United Nations, as well as at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa.
He also showcased these principles during Mandela Days, where he took part in a charity event distributing thousands of meals and blankets in Tsakhane.
A happily is married man, and wonderful father to his four lovely children, Martial dreams to see the adoption of a Universal Declaration of the Economy of Being, similar to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
For your steadfast commitment to the growth of African economy through down to earth Enterprises, you are our boss of the week. Congratulations sir!
