Founder — SMB Afrique Éditions
Pioneer of Blockchain in Central Africa
Honorary Doctorate in Blockchain Technology, Web 3 & Cryptocurrencies — Dunster Business School, Zug, Switzerland
Global Excellence Summit — New Delhi, India | May 2026
2026 · Moscow, Russia
INTRODUCTION
In an exclusive conversation conducted over the phone from Moscow, Russia, we spoke with Dr Emile Parfait SIMB — a figure widely recognized in discussions around blockchain, cryptocurrency ecosystems, and African digital innovation.
Born in Bomabom, Cameroon, his journey from extreme poverty to leading a multi-sector business group has become a widely discussed narrative in Africa’s evolving tech landscape.
This interview explores his early struggles, financial breakthrough, business philosophy, and controversial public perception.
EARLY LIFE AND STRUGGLE
Q: Dr SIMB, can you take us back to your early life in Cameroon?
A:
I was born in Bomabom, a village where opportunities were limited. At thirteen, I was already working—sorting palm nuts to pay for my school fees and books at Makak High School. I had no choice; education required survival.
At sixteen, I started selling doughnuts at busy places in Douala, like Anatole crossroads and the Central Market. I worked while studying because I had to support myself.
Later, I became a part-time teacher for nine years, earning 50,000 FCFA per month. Life was not easy, but it shaped my discipline.
THE TURNING POINT IN 2016
Q: What changed your life financially?
A:
In December 2016, I invested my last 200,000 FCFA into four unknown cryptocurrencies. At that time, most people did not understand crypto.
Six months later, it became 29 million FCFA. One year later, it crossed one billion FCFA.
When Bitcoin reached 20,000 dollars, I realized my financial situation had completely changed. But I did not celebrate. I went back to work because I understood it was not just money — it was responsibility.
BUILDING A BUSINESS EMPIRE
Q: How did you move from crypto investment to building SIMB Group?
A:
I did not see myself as only an investor. I saw systems. Today, SIMB Group includes more than 20 companies across fintech, agriculture, real estate, and blockchain ecosystems.
My goal was never personal wealth. It was to build structures that create opportunity.
LIYEPLIMAL AND FINANCIAL PHILOSOPHY
Q: Liyeplimal is widely discussed. How do you define it?
A:
Liyeplimal is a financial ecosystem. It combines digital finance with network systems. The idea is simple — no one should succeed alone.
It has operated across many countries and trained thousands of people in digital finance.
Markets always go through ups and downs, especially in crypto. But those who understand patience always survive.
LIMOCOIN AND BLOCKCHAIN THINKING
Q: What about LIMOCOIN and digital assets?
A:
LIMOCOIN is part of a larger ecosystem. Any digital asset linked to real economic activity has long-term value potential.
The biggest problem in crypto is emotional behavior. People expect quick results, but blockchain rewards patience and structure.
SIMBCOIN AND SIMBCITY PROJECTS
Q: You also launched SIMBCOIN and SIMBCITY. What is the vision behind them?
A:
SIMBCOIN was created as part of early African blockchain innovation.
SIMBCITY is a 35-hectare smart city project in Kribi. The goal is to connect real estate, digital systems, and blockchain infrastructure in one ecosystem.
It represents long-term thinking, not short-term speculation.
SIMB AIRLINES AND CHALLENGES
Q: What happened with SIMB Airlines?
A:
Aviation is extremely complex. We obtained licenses and conducted early operations, but scaling an airline requires massive resources and strict regulation.
COVID also affected global aviation. So the project is currently in a strategic pause. It is not abandoned.
AFRICA AND BLOCKCHAIN ADOPTION
Q: Do you believe Africa is ready for blockchain technology?
A:
Yes. People once doubted mobile money in Africa. Today, Africa leads globally in that space.
Blockchain will follow the same path if it solves real problems like payments, agriculture, and land systems.
Africans adopt what works in real life.
CRITICISM AND ONLINE ATTACKS
Q: You face a lot of criticism online. How do you respond?
A:
I understand it. Most critics are looking for attention. My name gives them visibility.
But ironically, this visibility has helped me. Universities, publishers, and researchers discovered my work through online discussions.
So in a way, they are part of the ecosystem.
TOKENISING AFRICA — YOUR BOOK
Q: What is the core idea behind your book Tokenising Africa?
A:
Africa produces massive agricultural wealth, but farmers receive very little of its final value.
Tokenisation changes this by turning agricultural production into digital assets.
For example, cocoa farms can be represented as tokens, allowing investment and transparency while supporting farmers directly.
It is a model designed for fairness and efficiency.
FINAL MESSAGE
Q: What message do you want to leave with young entrepreneurs?
A:
Start from where you are. I sold doughnuts, sorted palm nuts, and worked as a teacher for years.
Success is not luck. It is persistence, timing, and courage.
ABOUT SMB AFRIQUE ÉDITIONS
SMB AFRIQUE ÉDITIONS is a publishing platform focused on blockchain innovation, entrepreneurship, and Africa’s digital transformation through research-driven publications.
Founder: Dr Emile Parfait SIMB
Collection: Horizon 2040 Collection
Official Website: https://smbafrique-edition.com
Think · Write · Transform Africa
Read More From Techbullin
