Today, I had the opportunity to meet Christine Nashef, Director of Engineering at Africell, a prominent figure in the telecommunications sector of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
She welcomed me into her universe, sharing her journey, challenges, and advices by providing interesting perspectives on her position at the forefront of innovation and her dedication to the advancement of her company and sector within the Congolese tech ecosystem.
David : Hello Mrs Christine. Can you introduce yourself in few words ?
Christine : I am Christine Nashef, the Engineering Director at Africell, based in Kinshasa, DRC. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Communication Engineering from Notre Dame University, and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from the American University of Beirut. My career with Africell began in 2006 in Beirut, before moving to Kinshasa in 2012. Outside of my professional life, I am a wife and a proud mother of a six-year-old boy, who is my greatest source of inspiration.
David : Many women face challenges balancing demanding careers with family life. How do you combine both your family life and the professional one ?
Christine : Balancing a demanding career with family life is certainly a challenge for many women. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance becomes even more complex task when you have children, especially in our field where working day and night is sometimes necessary. However, developing effective strategies to manage both is essential. Prioritizing time by organizing tasks and setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is important. I make it a point to stay fully focused at work so that when I get home, I can give my full attention to my family. On weekends, I also strive to spend as much quality time as possible with my family and friends, which helps me remain focused and productive in both areas. Additionally, I believe in the importance of self-care and taking time to recharge by engaging in sports such as basketball, tennis and padel.
David : How was your beginning steps in professional life. Especially your integration in the affairs of technology ?
Christine : Entering the world of technology is an exciting journey filled with countless learning opportunities. My professional journey began with my studies in Computer and Communication Engineering and then Master of Engineering Management, which equipped me with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the tech industry. During my university years, I pursued internships that provided hands-on experience, deepening my understanding of the telecommunications sector.
Then my journey with Africell started, more than 18 years ago, as a fresh graduate. The journey has been both challenging and rewarding. Challenging, as the ever-evolving nature of this field requires constant updating with the latest industry trends and advancements, making it a continuous learning experience. Rewarding, since you keep learning and progressing. Africell has played a significant role in my professional growth by investing in our education and facilitating our advancement to attain higher roles.
David : A curiosity question. What led you here, in the Congo to start a career in telecommunication ?
Christine : I started my career with Africell at their head office in Beirut, where I worked for around six years. When the company acquired a license to operate in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I seized the opportunity to move here and work on the newly launched network. I was eager to take on this challenge and gain field experience in such a rapidly growing sector. I saw the chance to contribute to the development of vital infrastructure that bridges the digital divide and enhances communication across the country.
The collaborative and innovative spirit within the telecommunications industry in Congo is incredibly inspiring. In my current role as Engineering Director, I lead projects that push the boundaries of technology. It is fulfilling to be part of a team that drives technological advancements and makes a real difference in people’s lives. My experience in Congo has been both professionally and personally rewarding.
David : An engineering director is a leader that oversees and guide the company’s engineering departement. Which are the skills that you find are necessary for running this post or function ?
Christine : To successfully run the post of an Engineering Director, a combination of both technical expertise and leadership skills is required. A strong understanding of engineering principles, technologies, and industry standards is essential. Problem solving skills and the ability to identify, analyze, and solve complex technical issues is highly required. In addition to the leadership and management skills, to be able to inspire, motivate and guide the teams towards achieving common company objectives and manage projects proficiently to be delivered on time and within budgets.
David : As we can see, we find that this field so vast, but what is your specialty in the function of engineering Director ?
Christine : The field of engineering and telecommunications is indeed vast and encompasses a wide range of technologies, services, and applications that connect people and devices around the world. As an Engineering director, my expertise lies in managing the telecommunication network from end to end. This includes network dimensioning, planning, design, budgeting, expansions, implementation of innovative network solutions, performance monitoring, optimization, security management, digital transformation, quality assurance, project management, team building and several other responsibilities. In a nutshell, it involves overseeing every aspect of the network’s lifecycle, from planning and design to deployment, operation, and optimization.
David : In terms of overseeing the team, how do you feel the feedback from your subaltern and how much important do you think that talking or communication is in your collaboration ?
Christine : Feedback from team members is a vital component of leadership and team management. It plays an essential role in helping individuals understand how they are perceived, as well as in identifying their strengths and areas of development. I believe in encouraging an open and transparent environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. This feedback allows me to understand their perspectives, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions that benefit the entire team.
David : As we know, in any post of direction, leadership is crucial. We want to know: what is your philosophy, how do you inspire your team membres, while facing logistic or technical challenges and if possible tell us ONE of Big challenge you’ve already faced ?
Christine : « Failure is never an option; we either succeed or we learn. » This philosophy underpins my leadership approach. I believe in empowering employees to make decisions and take ownership of their work while promoting a collaborative environment. Leading by example is another crucial aspect of my philosophy, which includes simple actions like being punctual, setting standards, and inspiring others to follow.
As for a big challenge, actually challenges are a constant in our field. Recently, we faced a significant network outage. We identified the issue and mobilized the team to devise solutions, encouraging them to think outside the box to reduce the downtime. During such incidents, I ensure I am on-site with the team, offering support by sharing previous lessons learned or providing necessary contacts to help resolve the problem. By being actively involved and supporting my team, we can overcome challenges effectively and maintain a high level of performance.
David : What role does mentorship play in your career, and have you mentored other engineers ?
Christine : Mentorship has played a pivotal role in my career development and growth. Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate that Africell provided me mentors who offered guidance, support, and valuable insights. These mentors have helped me navigate complex challenges, develop my technical and leadership skills, and make informed career decisions.
Recognizing the profound impact of mentorship, I have made it a priority to give back by mentoring other engineers through knowledge sharing, career guidance, personal development and empowerment. In engineering, mentoring can also facilitate reverse mentoring, where younger engineers can share new developments and techniques with more experienced counterparts.
David : What are your personal goals for the next 5-10 years in your career ?
Christine : My personal career goals would focus on driving innovation, expanding network capabilities, and promoting a thriving team environment. By focusing on these goals, I aim to not only drive my own advancement and career growth but also contribute significantly to the company’s success, make a positive impact on the community, and support the evolution of the telecom industry in DRC.
David : What advice would you give to young women aspiring to a career of engineering, here in the Congo ?
Christine : The field of engineering is certainly challenging. To pursue a career in Engineering confidence is the key, trust in your abilities and know that you have the potential to achieve great things.
Continuous learning and skill development are essential, whether through educational opportunities or from experienced engineers who have paved the way and can provide support, guidance and inspiration. Keep the patience and motivation alive and let it drive you forward. Once you have established yourself, the most important is to share your knowledge and experiences to inspire and support the next generations of engineers.
David : Your last words and maybe a word of encouragement to young girls or women who will read or listen to this interview?
Christine : Never give up on your dreams ! The journey may be tough, but nothing is impossible. Believe in yourself and just move forward, giving up shall never be an option.
And with that, I have finished my interview with the Director of Engineering at Africell in the DRC. An experience that truly resonated with me. Christine exemplifies determination, strong passion, and a continuous will to excel as an individual and as a contributor to the company she serves. If you want to push yourself to your limits and make an impact in the STEM field, her story is a real inspiration.
