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About SMST/APA Tool
"For the World, from Africa" - Our mission is to bring African wisdom and strategic thinking to organizations worldwide through innovative management tools.
Our Story
The Strategic Management Sustainability Tool (SMST/APA Tool) was born from a profound understanding of African resilience, wisdom, and strategic thinking. Our approach extends the traditional PESTLE Analysis framework, grounding it in the rich cultural heritage and practical wisdom of Africa.
At the heart of our methodology lies the symbolism of the African woman with pestle and mortar - representing strength, endurance, transformation, and the ability to turn challenges into solutions. This powerful metaphor guides our 5-step process that helps organizations worldwide navigate complex strategic challenges.
Our tool serves governments, businesses, international organizations, and individuals, providing comprehensive analysis of Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors that shape strategic decisions.
Meet Our Founders
Two visionary leaders who combined decades of experience in strategic management, sustainability, and African business development to build this tool from the ground up.
Dr. Karamo N. M. Sonko
Founder & Former CEO
In loving memory of our founder, who led this work with vision and dedication until his passing in 2026.
LinkedIn ProfileDr. Karamo Sonko brought decades of experience in strategic management, teaching, research, community and government relations, and natural resource management, ranging from petroleum, phosphates, and particularly gold.
He specialized in developing new ideas and growing projects from scratch to full development. As a multidisciplinary social scientist and world citizen, he taught at five universities across Canada, France, and the USA.
His extensive international experience included working with prestigious organizations such as the African Union, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the United Nations (UN).
Dr. Sonko's unique background combined academic rigor with practical field experience, bridging African wisdom with global strategic management practices. His vision lives on in the tool he founded, and he will be deeply missed.
Mariama Sonko
Co-Founder & CEO
Sustainability Adviser at Jula Consultancy, Sharjah, UAE
Mariama Sonko now leads our team as CEO, alongside her role as Sustainability Adviser at Jula Consultancy, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, bringing exceptional academic credentials and professional expertise to our team.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Economics and Management Science from Paris Sorbonne University (Abu Dhabi Campus) and M.Sc. (with distinction) in Finance from Heriot-Watt University (Dubai Campus).
Professional Certifications: Postgraduate certificates in the Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies (Judge Business School, University of Cambridge), Sustainable Finance (Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership), and Financial Leadership (Harvard Business School).
She is professionally certified as a Sustainability Adviser by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Academy and is fully bilingual in English and French, in addition to other African languages.
Mariama's expertise in ESG, sustainability, and finance provides crucial insights into modern business challenges and opportunities.
Company Information
Our Location
Jula Consultancy FZE
Saif Office R5-22/B
P.O.Box 124906
Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
Our Mission
To empower organizations worldwide with African-inspired strategic management tools that transform challenges into sustainable solutions, fostering growth and resilience in an interconnected world.
Our Vision
To be the global leader in culturally-rooted strategic management solutions, bridging African wisdom with modern business practices to create lasting positive impact.
Our Values
- • Wisdom: Drawing from African heritage and global experience
- • Resilience: Transforming challenges into opportunities
- • Inclusivity: Solutions for everyone, everywhere
- • Sustainability: Long-term thinking and responsibility
Ready to Experience African PESTLE?
Discover how our unique methodology can transform your strategic planning and decision-making processes.