Rose Ojong : Catalysing Operational Excellence and Data Integrity in Screening Solutions

Background screening companies are essential in promoting trust, transparency, and security across various industries. Verifying critical information helps mitigate risks, prevent fraud, and enable individuals and businesses to make informed decisions. These services are particularly crucial in hiring, partnerships, and compliance management, ensuring organizations operate within legal and ethical frameworks. Beyond their operational impact, background screening companies contribute to creating safer work environments and fostering confidence in professional relationships. The leaders of these organizations are at the forefront of this mission, ensuring compliance with regulations, embracing innovation, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to building trust, which are key factors that drive long-term credibility and growth.

One prominent leader in this field is Rose Egbe Mbi Rose Ojong, the Managing Director of Background Check International (BCI) Cameroon/Francophone Africa, with a head office in Nigeria, and a leading background screening company in Nigeria. With a strong dedication to integrity and strategic growth, she has positioned BCI as a trailblazer in claims verification, due diligence, and risk management solutions. Rose has successfully navigated complex financial landscapes while driving innovation and fostering continuous learning within her organization. By delivering cutting-edge solutions and prioritizing excellence, BCI continues to set the standard for background screening in Africa, empowering its clients to mitigate risks and build credibility in an increasingly complex global landscape.

In an interview, Rose shared insights into her education, career journey, challenges, and key milestones that shaped her leadership in the background screening industry.

Take us through the formative years of your life. What were some key early influences in life that shaped you as an individual?
My late father, a dedicated book keeper, profoundly influenced my passion for education and finance, instilling in me the drive to set ambitious goals early on. After marriage, my husband, a strong advocate for women’s education, further supported my aspirations in accountancy. I earned a BSc in Economics with Honors in Accountancy from the University of Sierra Leone and an MSc in Financial Risk Management from the University of Salford, Manchester. In 2005, I became a Chartered Certified Accountant, achieving Fellow status in 2010. Additionally, I qualified as a Certified Forensic Investigator, further specializing my skills. Although I retired in February 2024, my commitment to learning remains strong. I recently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Cyber Security and am nearing the completion of a PhD in Forensic Accounting and Audit. These achievements have enhanced my expertise in finance, compliance, risk management, and investigations, with a particular focus on background checks, underscoring my pursuit of professional growth and excellence.

"Rose Egbe Mbi Rose Ojong, is a visionary and resilient leader known for her exceptional expertise in finance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. With nearly three decades of experience, she exemplifies integrity, strategic acumen, and a commitment to continuous learning"

Tell us about your extensive professional journey in the finance sector. What have been some of the most crucial junctures throughout your 29-year-long journey in the finance industry?
After earning my advanced-level General Certificate of Education in technical and commercial studies, I began my career as a trade and sales clerk at the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI), later Standard Chartered Bank, where I honed my banking skills. In 1995, I joined Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), an agro-industrial firm, and spent a decade in roles such as Senior Accountant, Director of Budget and Control, and Chief Auditor. In 2006, I moved to Citibank Gabon, holding key positions, including Risk and Control Manager and Internal Audit Manager. In 2012, I was promoted to Chief Audit Executive, overseeing operations in Cameroon, Gabon, Congo DRC, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal. By 2019, I expanded my leadership to Citibank’s West Africa region. In August 2024, I transitioned to Managing Partner at Background Check International, overseeing operations in Cameroon and Francophone Africa.

Introduce us to Background Check International. As the company’s Managing Director, what are the primary roles and responsibilities you shoulder?
Background Check International (BCI), a pioneer in background screening across Africa, was founded by the CEO Dr Kola Olugbodi in 2004 and was the first to offer comprehensive verification services in Nigeria. With over 3,000 clients across Africa and beyond, BCI expanded its presence into Cameroon in 2024, where I was appointed Managing Director for Cameroon/ Francophone Africa. BCI provides a wide range of datadriven solutions, including employment and identity verification, KYC compliance, real estate screening, and due diligence, aligning with global initiatives like the World Bank’s human capital goals, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Committed to upholding international data privacy standards, including GDPR, BCI ensures that all background checks and verifications are conducted with the highest respect for privacy, integrity, and legal compliance. In my role, I drive strategic growth, operational excellence, and market expansion across Francophone Africa through partnerships and benchmarking initiatives.
 

What are the most significant achievements in your professional journey, and what has been your guiding philosophy for success as a leader?
One of the most significant milestones in my professional journey was with the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), where I had the distinction of being appointed the first female Chief Auditor of the largest agro-industrial company in Cameroon, overseeing 36 estates and more than 14,000 workers. In this transformative leadership role, I spearheaded the development and implementation of the organisation’s first internal audit manual, a comprehensive framework that empowered my team of 15 auditors to perform their assignments with enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. This initiative not only improved operational practices but also strengthened accountability and governance, creating a sound control environment within the agro-industrial sector. Another cornerstone of my career has been my role as a mentor to aspiring young professionals pursuing certifications in finance. This experience has been deeply fulfilling, allowing me to guide and inspire the next generation through authentic leadership, fostering change, and nurturing their potential. By building trust, forging genuine connections, and empowering others with empathy, I have helped mentees overcome challenges and develop resilience, confidence, and innovation in their professional pursuits. These achievements highlight my commitment to driving organizational success, cultivating future leaders, and leaving a lasting positive impact on both individuals and industries.

How do you envision Cameroon’s business landscape evolving by 2025, and what role do women play in driving the country’s economic growth?
The business landscape in Cameroon is poised for significant developments by 2025. A notable focus is on increasing tax pressure on businesses, with projections indicating that the share of taxes in the country’s GDP will rise to 14 percent in 2025, compared to 13.6 percent in 2024, according to Business in Cameroon. While this increase still falls below the African average of 17.2 percent recorded in previous years, it signals a challenging environment for businesses. If Cameroonian authorities fail to adopt the IMF’s recommendations, such as reducing corporate tax rates, minimum tax, and simplifying the tax system as outlined in the 2025 General Tax Code, doing business in the country may face hurdles. Despite these challenges, 2025 also presents opportunities for startups to innovate and reshape the financial landscape.

However, startups will still contend with issues like corruption, inflation, bureaucratic red tape, inadequate infrastructure, and separatist movements in Anglophone regions. On a positive note, companies in Cameroon increasingly recognize the value of women in leadership roles. Women are taking on significant positions within organizations, bringing fresh perspectives, driving innovation, and delivering measurable results. The future of Cameroon’s economy will see women occupying strategic leadership roles, inspiring others, and contributing to positive change and growth in the country’s economic landscape.