Fadi Wazni is a renowned Guinean businessman and diplomat of Lebanese origin, whose contributions have made a significant impact on the mining and logistics sector in Guinea.
As the CEO of United Mining Supply (UMS) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Société Minière de Boké (SMB), he has played a pivotal role in establishing the SMB-Winning Consortium, which has become Guinea's leading bauxite exporter.
Fadi Wazni's remarkable journey is characterized by his dedication to corporate social responsibility, philanthropic endeavors, and his role as the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Guinea.
His visionary leadership and commitment to sustainable development continue to shape the economic and social landscape of the region. Let's delve into the remarkable journey of Fadi Wazni.
Introduction
In the bustling world of business and philanthropy, few individuals have managed to leave an indelible mark on both fronts. Fadi Wazni, a Guinean businessman and esteemed diplomat of Lebanese origin, is one such exceptional personality.
As the CEO of United Mining Supply (UMS) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Société Minière de Boké (SMB), he has spearheaded the growth of Guinea's mining and logistics sector.
However, it is his unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility and philanthropic endeavors that truly sets him apart.
A Family Legacy
The roots of Fadi Wazni's remarkable story can be traced back to his family's Lebanese heritage, which has flourished in Africa for several decades. It was his grandfather, a visionary trader, who laid the foundation for their presence in the mining areas of Sierra Leone in the 1920s.
Inspired by this legacy, Fadi Wazni embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, combining his passion for business with a profound desire to make a positive impact.
Founding the SMB-Winning Consortium
In 2002, Fadi Wazni founded United Mining Supply (UMS), a prominent transport and logistics company operating in Guinea. Building on this success, he went on to establish the SMB-Winning Consortium, based in Conakry.
This consortium brought together various entities involved in bauxite extraction, production, and transportation, including UMS, Singaporean Transporter Winning Shipping International, and Chinese aluminum producer Shandong Weiqiao.
Together, they became the largest bauxite exporter in Guinea, exporting over 42 million tons to China in 2018.
Unlocking the Potential of Simandou
A watershed moment in Fadi Wazni's career came on November 13th when the SMB-Winning Consortium secured the tender for Blocks 1 and 2 of the Guinean Mount Simandou mega deposit.
This iron-rich deposit, located over 900 kilometers east of Conakry, represents the largest of its kind on the African continent. Fadi Wazni's vision and commitment to excellence played a pivotal role in this historic achievement, paving the way for a $15 billion investment into the Simandou project.
Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility
Understanding the responsibility that comes with success, Fadi Wazni has placed a significant emphasis on corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The SMB-Winning Consortium has forged a partnership with Louis Berger, a global engineering consulting firm, and the Société d'Etudes Environnementales et Sociales (SEES).
This collaboration aims to assess and enhance the environmental and social impact of their industry, ensuring sustainable practices and responsible management.
The SMB-Winning Foundation
Empowering Local Communities: In 2016, Fadi Wazni established the SMB-Winning Foundation as an embodiment of his unwavering commitment to community development. Through this foundation, several impactful local projects have been initiated.
The most notable of these is the Foot For Change program, which focuses on promoting sport, providing educational support, and advancing gender equality through the development of women's football in Guinea.
Furthermore, the foundation has facilitated the construction of health centers, improved access to clean drinking water, and enhanced existing infrastructure, all aimed at improving the lives of local communities.
Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Guinea
In addition to his business and philanthropic endeavors, Fadi Wazni has been bestowed with the honorable title of Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Guinea. This prestigious role enables him to promote and support the Netherlands' initiatives in Guinea while also assisting Dutch nationals in their endeavors within the country.
Furthermore, Fadi Wazni coordinates the Netherlands' commitments to local development, effectively bridging the gap between nations and fostering mutually beneficial relationships.
Conclusion
Fadi Wazni's journey from a visionary businessman to a compassionate philanthropist has been nothing short of extraordinary. Through his leadership and unwavering dedication, he has revolutionized Guinea's mining and logistics sector while uplifting local communities through sustainable development projects.
Fadi Wazni's legacy will continue to inspire future generations to combine their entrepreneurial aspirations with a genuine desire to create positive change in the world.
