Bernard, the entrepreneur behind engineering and construction company InfraCongo, has revealed how personal sacrifice, resilience and support from friends and family helped him navigate the challenges of building his business.
Bernard transformed his experience in infrastructure projects into an engineering and construction venture after identifying a shortage of skills for projects that could be executed locally.
InfraCongo initially operated as a consulting firm before expanding into electrical, mechanical and civil engineering, as well as areas including geographic information systems (GIS) and software.
The company has since evolved into an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) firm, taking on a broader range of infrastructure and engineering projects.
According to Bernard, his decision to enter the sector was driven by his previous experience in infrastructure development and his desire to take advantage of opportunities created by gaps in the local market.
Rather than complain about the shortage of opportunities or skills, he chose to compete for available projects and build a company capable of delivering them.
However, growing InfraCongo has not been without difficulties.
Bernard said tender requirements across Africa can sometimes make it challenging for smaller African-owned companies to compete with larger and more established firms.
Project financing and delayed payments from clients have also created significant pressure on the business, particularly when the company has ongoing project commitments.
During some of the most difficult periods, Bernard turned to friends and family for support.
He said they provided interest-free private loans that enabled InfraCongo to complete projects and navigate periods when cash flow was under pressure.
Beyond financial support, Bernard also made significant personal sacrifices to keep the company moving forward.
These included working longer hours, taking on additional responsibilities and going without a regular income while prioritising the growth and survival of the business.
His entrepreneurial journey was also shaped by challenges in his education.
Bernard dropped out of university on four occasions because of difficulties balancing family responsibilities, work and education. Despite these setbacks, he eventually returned to complete his studies and obtained his second degree.
For Bernard, the experience reinforced the importance of remaining committed to a long-term vision despite setbacks.
He said patience and resilience have been among the most important lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, alongside the ability to listen carefully and understand the power of words.
His experience with InfraCongo demonstrates how African entrepreneurs can turn gaps in local markets into business opportunities while navigating financing constraints, competitive tendering processes and other structural challenges.
Bernard’s story also highlights the role of personal sacrifice, family support and perseverance in building an engineering company in a challenging business environment.
