Established in Côte d’Ivoire since 2024, Premium Africa offers complete solutions in the distribution, rental and maintenance of industrial, construction and mining equipment. Fatoumata Bamba is the only woman in Côte d’Ivoire in charge of a dealer’s after-sales service, and she steers emergencies and strategy for Premium Africa. Portrait of a pioneer who goes against conventional wisdom.
Premium Africa Côte d'Ivoire: a technical player on the rise
« Premium Africa is more than an equipment supplier: it’s a partner for our customers, from the beginning to the end of their project, » explains Fatoumata Bamba.
In Abidjan, she pilots the after-sales service strategy with agility. She coordinates the technical teams, liaises with customers and ensures that the quality standards expected of a premium player are maintained.
In this central, strategic role, she juggles operational urgencies with strategic objectives:
« Every day, we have to manage interventions and meet customer expectations, while keeping our focus on performance and growth objectives. »
As a distributor of the Haulotte brand in Côte d’Ivoire, Premium Africa enjoys a strong partnership based on shared values.
« Haulotte is a trusted brand with high quality standards. It’s these standards that we are committed to respecting and passing on to our customers, » insists Fatoumata. This close relationship is also based on a shared vision of innovation and equipment reliability.
Being a woman in a traditionally male sector: rigor, resilience and inspiration
In the world of construction and industry, the presence of women remains marginal.
« In Côte d’Ivoire, I’m the only woman in charge of after-sales service at a dealership, » Fatoumata tells us. She admits that women often have to work « two or three times as hard as a man to be taken seriously ».
But she turns this challenge into a strength: « We become more rigorous, more committed, because we know we’re expected to deliver. This builds resilience and a quality of work that is all the more appreciated ». She is also keen to change attitudes: « When a woman achieves her goals in this type of position, it sends out a strong message, it inspires. »
Fatoumata describes her work as a balance between urgency and strategy. The unexpected is a daily occurrence, but every success feeds her motivation: « It’s gratifying to see satisfied customers, to receive positive feedback, but also to see employees evolve and achieve their full potential in their work.«
When asked if it’s a prejudice to say that it’s difficult to reconcile personal and professional life, she replies bluntly: « It’s not a prejudice, it’s a reality. You have to find your own balance, make choices, and surround yourself with the right people to achieve it, » she explains.
A changing market in Côte d'Ivoire
According to Fatoumata Bamba, the Ivorian market is « dynamic, growing and in search of modern technical solutions ». Although 2025 is a special year, due to the elections, Fatoumata remains confident in the outlook: « The need for reliable equipment and technical support is growing. It’s a fundamental trend. »
« We’re making our way. Our objective is clear: to increase our market share, strengthen our local expertise and expand our portfolio of partners, » she asserts.
Premium Africa Côte d’Ivoire aims to become a key player, by focusing on quality, customer proximity and a solid team.
Fatoumata's advice to young women: "Believe in yourself and get trained"
Fatoumata has a clear message for those wishing to enter this sector: « Believe in yourself, get trained, be curious and know how to surround yourself. This profession requires patience and perseverance, but it also offers great satisfaction. »
She insists: « Women can do as well as, or even better than, men. It’s just a question of will and skill. »
In Abidjan, Fatoumata proves every day that technique has no gender, only passion and talent.