Kiehkechemambom Bonaventure Fonteh M’25 joined Ashesi University in January 2023 with a clear intention: to reconnect with engineering and apply his skills to create impact across Africa.

Before enrolling in the Ashesi-ETH Master’s in Mechatronics Engineering program, he worked as a Data Scientist. While he valued the experience, he felt a strong pull back to engineering and to work that aligned more closely with his long-term purpose. So, he joined the program to deepen his technical training and gain hands-on engineering experience through a one-year professional internship attached to the scholarship.

One of the most impactful parts of his learning was the Applied Systems Engineering course. Students designed and built systems from scratch, applying concepts across mechanical, electrical, and automation engineering. “This experience strengthened my appreciation for practical learning and its connection to engineering theory,” he noted.

At Ashesi, Fonteh engaged fully in both academic and student life. Outside the classroom, he played futsal with the International Students Association, building connections with students from across the continent. The University’s Honor Code also deepened values that had long guided him.

Currently, Fonteh works as a Field Service Engineer with Bühler in Abidjan. There, he applies the technical and practical learning from Ashesi to support the smooth operation of industrial systems.

Fonteh remains committed to giving back to his community through ongoing philanthropic efforts, including providing school supplies for pupils in his hometown. He also envisions establishing the Fonteh Prize in honor of his father, Clement Fonteh, to support students across the institutions he has attended.