Roheen Berry, a British-Nigerian businessman renowned for his dynamic leadership and visionary pursuits, is the owner and Chief Executive of Wiesmann Automobiles and the Managing Director of Contec Global whose entrepreneurial journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to fostering technological advancements, particularly in the realm of secure technologies and mobile telecommunications.
Roheen Berry’s journey to success is characterized by a remarkable blend of education, cultural diversity, and an innate entrepreneurial spirit. He honed his skills and knowledge at prestigious institutions, including Sherwood College in India and the Kennedy School at Harvard University. Growing up in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, and India, Berry’s multicultural background has been instrumental in shaping his perspective and approach to business.
In 2009, Roheen joined Contec Global, a diversified conglomerate operating out of India, Dubai, and West and Central Africa, with a primary focus on providing secure document solutions to governments. His early years with the company were marked by a commitment to expanding Contec Global’s reach beyond Nigeria’s borders. Berry engaged with senior politicians, civil servants, and heads of state across Africa, establishing a firm foothold for the company in frontier market countries such as Gambia, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Burundi, and South Sudan.
One of Roheen Berry’s key contributions during this period was the development of a unique business model known as “Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer” (BOOT). This model offered governments access to cutting-edge secure technology and infrastructure projects without the immediate financial burden. In this innovative approach, Berry self-financed IT projects, recouping the initial investment through revenue generated from the sale of secure documents to the public. This not only empowered governments with advanced security solutions but also provided additional revenue streams.
A standout success of this model was the Burundi passport, introduced in 2010, which was recognized as the most advanced among East African passports in 2012.
Roheen Berry’s remarkable achievements led to his appointment as the Managing Director of Contec Global in 2012. Under his astute leadership, the company expanded its operations into East Africa, including Malawi and Kenya, as well as West Africa, with a presence in Sierra Leone. Simultaneously, Berry initiated efforts to diversify Contec Global’s portfolio, venturing into biometric technology, agriculture, green energy, transportation, and telecommunications.
Furthermore, Roheen Berry’s commitment extends beyond the realm of business. He has played an active role in philanthropic projects across Africa, demonstrating his dedication to making a positive impact. His contributions have included donating tablets and mobile smartphones to Chibok survivors in Nigeria, supporting the kidney care unit at Centre Medico Chirurgical de Kinindo, sponsoring Burundi’s athletics team at the 2012 London Olympics, providing computer equipment for schools in Burundi, and assisting in the opening of the Burundi Embassy in London.
Roheen Berry’s multifaceted approach to business, coupled with his deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in emerging markets, has positioned him as a visionary leader. He remains committed to expanding Contec Global’s global footprint and driving strategic partnerships in secure technologies, all while nurturing the growth of diverse sectors crucial to Africa’s development.
