Bienvenue Angui

1. Where do you work?

I am self-employed and founded my consulting firm, MOBIANG, which supports German companies in their investment projects in Africa, and vice versa.


2. Why did you choose Berlin?

That’s a very good question. To be honest, I initially chose Berlin because of a professional opportunity. I moved from Düsseldorf, where I had lived for ten years, to Berlin in 2017. So, it was more by circumstance than by choice at first. Over time, however, I have grown to really appreciate the city and discovered it to be a metropolis of superlatives.

3. What do you love about Berlin?

To illustrate how much I appreciate this city, I even wrote a book on Germany in alphabetical format, “Germany from A to Z: A Journey Through Its Economy and Culture”, and the letter B is dedicated to Berlin.

What I love about Berlin is that it combines anonymity with a sense of community. Anonymity, because it’s a large city—nine times the size of Paris—where one can live completely unnoticed. On the other hand, the neighbourhood life, or Kiez, gives the city soul. Each Kiez has its own character and spirit, offering something for everyone. I love having a neighbourhood where I feel comfortable and at home.

Berlin is also a city steeped in history, full of character, with an incredible cultural offering. Did you know that Berlin is the only city in the world with three opera houses: the Deutsche Oper, the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, and the Komische Oper? It is Europe’s largest contemporary art centre, with nearly 290 modern and contemporary art galleries, and one of the few cities with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, earning it the title of “UNESCO City of Design.”

4. What were some of the challenges you had to overcome, and how did you manage to do so?

As I mentioned earlier, Berlin is a city where it is easy to remain anonymous, so making friends can be a challenge. Personally, I managed to overcome this by engaging professionally, joining associations, and simply maintaining a curious and open mindset.

5. Who or what helped you settle in Berlin?

First and foremost, I loved the job opportunity that brought me to Berlin, which was a major motivation for staying. I also appreciated the quality of life. In 2017, the cost of living was lower than it is today, and housing was still affordable. I liked the idea of living in an international capital at a very reasonable cost. Over time, I built my own world here—my Kiez, friends, and work have been the main factors that helped me settle and thrive in Berlin.

6. What tips and advice would you give to expats/internationals to help them get started in Berlin smoothly?

I would advise taking the time to explore Berlin and its many Kiez to get a sense of the city’s vibe and to find an apartment in a location that suits both your personal comfort and professional needs, as Berlin is very large. There are guided tours available, or you can take a hop-on hop-off bus to familiarise yourself with the city.

Next, depending on your interests, join clubs or associations (Vereine), which can help you integrate more quickly. Finally, make an effort to get to know your neighbours; it’s often overlooked, but they can become an invaluable support in case of any problems.