Victor Bohbot, at 29 (now 30), is a driving force behind two companies, Digital Bonsaï and Developers Institute Mauritius, an instructor at a university, and a consultant for major Mauritian groups. He has been a resident of Mauritius since 2014.
Victor emphasizes that Developers Institute Mauritius is a training center focused on equipping individuals with skills for the most in-demand jobs in Mauritius and internationally. The program boasts a high employability rate, with about 95% of students finding employment within two months of completing the training. The core requirement for success in programming, according to Victor, is motivation and passion, not necessarily prior academic qualifications. The institute has seen success stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who didn’t complete traditional schooling, who later found a passion for learning and even pursued further university studies after their training. The goal is to make these opportunities accessible, offering flexible payment plans, including up to 36 months, to ensure that financial constraints are not a barrier to education.
Victor offers key advice for young entrepreneurs:
- Talk to your entourage: Don’t keep your project a secret. Sharing your ideas with others can provide valuable feedback, helping you identify potential pitfalls or strong aspects of your venture.
- Surround yourself well: Connect with other entrepreneurs or those on a similar journey. Attend events, forums, and job fairs in Mauritius (like those organized by EDB or La French Tech) to network and find mentors. Victor himself feels a responsibility to mentor others, continuing a cycle of giving back.
When discussing the challenges of entrepreneurship versus salaried employment, Victor highlights that traditional employment offers security, especially when seeking loans from financial institutions. However, for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, not pursuing it can lead to frustration and burnout. To transition, he suggests finding your first client, potentially your current employer, or dedicating evenings to your project while maintaining a day job. Entrepreneurship often demands significant time sacrifices, impacting personal life, but if it’s a passion, it’s worth pursuing quickly.
Victor differentiates between service entrepreneurs (e.g., developers offering services) who can generate revenue quickly with minimal initial investment, and product entrepreneurs (e.g., creating a clothing brand) who require substantial upfront funding and face longer development times and market risks. He admires product entrepreneurs for their dedication, but emphasizes the accessible nature of service-based tech roles, especially with remote work capabilities.
Regarding career opportunities in Mauritius, the tech and digital sectors are experiencing significant growth. Companies across various industries, including finance, banking, tourism, and even hospitality, are actively seeking developers and digital experts. These roles are becoming key components of future businesses.
Victor believes Mauritius’s e-commerce landscape still needs significant improvement, particularly in delivery times and return processes, which are crucial for consumer adoption, as seen in European countries. He suggests innovative solutions like peer-to-peer delivery systems to overcome these logistical challenges.
Ultimately, Victor’s biggest challenge is demystifying the reliance on Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees for tech recruitment, urging companies to recognize the operational value of practical, intensive training. His top advice for young professionals is to trust themselves, never give up, and always ask questions.