COULIBALY SIÉ MAMADOU: A JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

Early Life

Born on May 5th, 1976, in the quaint town of Tafiré, located in the heart of Ivory Coast, Coulibaly Sié Mamadou manifested his passion for electrical engineering from a tender age. Hailing from Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), Mamadou pursued his education with determination and resilience. His journey commenced at Lycée Classique and Moderne 1 of Bouaké, where he obtained his Diploma BAC Series C, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors.

Education and Training

Fueling his ambition further, Mamadou pursued an Engineering Degree in Electrical at INP HB Yamoussoukro, equipping himself with the technical expertise necessary for his career. His thirst for knowledge led him to undertake specialized training at prestigious institutions such as EDF (PARIS Saint-Denis) and ABB Mannheim in Germany, where he delved into advanced topics like substation primary design and stability of electrical networks.

Mamadou’s dedication to professional development didn’t stop there. He augmented his skills with certifications, including his recent PMP (Project Management Professional) certification he obatained on March 13, 2024, awarded by the Project Management Institute, showcasing his commitment to excellence in project management. Moreover, he completed worker training at the Electricity Trades Centre (CME Bingerville), emphasizing his hands-on approach to learning.

His journey of learning culminated in a comprehensive understanding of electrical systems, safety protocols, and project management methodologies, positioning him as a stalwart in the field of electrical engineering.

Professional Career at CIE Ivorian Electrical Utility

In August 2002, Mamadou embarked on a remarkable chapter of his career as the Service Manager (Head of Maintenance Department on HV/MV substations) at CIE Ivorian Electrical Utility (Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Electricité). Over the span of five years, Mamadou demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical prowess in his role.

His primary responsibilities included the maintenance of 42 HV/MV substations, ensuring the seamless operation of critical infrastructure essential for the nation’s power supply. Leading a team of 49 employees divided into seven specialized teams, Mamadou orchestrated the Service Maintenance Substation, optimizing equipment availability to enhance customer satisfaction.

Under his stewardship, Mamadou’s teams excelled in their respective domains:

HV/MV Transformers Maintenance Team: Ensured the efficient functioning of transformers, a cornerstone of the electrical grid.

MV Panels Maintenance Teams (Abidjan North and South): Ensured the reliability of medium voltage panels, crucial for distribution networks.

HV Circuit Breakers, Disconnectors, Capacitors Banks Maintenance Team: Maintained the integrity of high-voltage circuitry, safeguarding against disruptions.

HV Control Electrical Maintenance Team: Ensured the efficacy of control systems, vital for managing power flow.

Organization Office of Maintenance: Streamlined maintenance operations, optimizing resource utilization.

Substations Metering Team: Monitored and optimized energy usage, promoting sustainability.

Mamadou’s tenure was marked by notable achievements, including the successful implementation of the project “Study Revision of Stability and Protection of the Ivorian HV Electrical Network,” undertaken in collaboration with EDF (PARIS Saint-Denis). His proactive approach to maintenance and his unwavering commitment to quality propelled CIE Ivorian Electrical Utility towards greater operational efficiency and reliability.

Personal Life

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mamadou finds solace in his role as a devoted husband. His unwavering support from his family has been the bedrock of his success, enabling him to navigate the challenges of his career with resilience and grace.

Coulibaly Sié Mamadou’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and continuous learning. From humble beginnings to leadership at the helm of one of Ivory Coast’s premier electrical utilities, Mamadou’s story inspires generations to pursue excellence in their chosen paths.