I&P Accélération

Founded in 2016, Recycling is a Togolese company specializing in the collection, sorting, and recycling of plastic waste.

The company transforms the plastic waste it collects into secondary raw materials, in the form of plastic chips and pellets, for use by plastics manufacturers. By offering recycled pellets, Recycling provides a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative, enabling plastics manufacturers to reduce their production costs.

To date, Recycling has collected more than 20,000 tons of plastic waste, contributing to a significant reduction in plastic pollution in Togo. The company works closely with a network of more than 3,000 collectors and employs 39 people, including 17 women, generating a significant economic and social impact for all stakeholders in the chain.

Recycling is led by Tchomela N'Yabé Bekounim, a graduate in ecology and environmental sciences from the University of Lomé and founder of the VEGA association, an organization committed to raising public awareness of environmental protection and waste management. His commitment to the environment and communities has been recognized and rewarded on several occasions. In particular, he was the winner of the FAIEJ (Fund to Support Youth Economic Initiatives) green projects competition and the KPEKPE Togo 2017 competition, and came third in the “Africa is Calling You” Challenge in the same year.

In 2021, he received support from UNDP Togo through the Togolese Facility for Acceleration and Innovation (FTAI).

I&P has partnered with Recycling to:

• Strengthen the company's production capacity;
• Improve the production process;
• Develop the production site; and
• Provide technical support to improve accounting, financial management, and internal organization.

Main Impacts 

• By producing 456 tons of recycled plastic pellets in the first year after investment, Recycling will prevent approximately 2,000 tons of CO2eq.
• Creation of 37 jobs over a period of 3 years.

Find out more

• Recylcing website
• Recycling facebook page 

KANEL Pâtisserie is a Senegalese company specializing in the bakery and pastry sector, particularly in the production and sale of sweet and savory treats inspired by both local culinary traditions and Western classics. Founded in 2019, the company offers a wide range of products, including fine pastries, Viennese pastries, personalized cakes, desserts, as well as breads and savory snacks. It stands out for its use of local fruits and ingredients such as bouye, ditakh, bissap, and madd, to revisit recipes with an authentic Senegalese touch.

KANEL focuses on high-quality artisanal production, meticulous product design, and a refined customer experience, whether in-store or via online ordering.

Entrepreneurs

Founded in 2019 by Marguerite DIOH, Daniel SARR, and Rouguiatou DIAW, KANEL is a Senegalese company that promotes local expertise through a range of artisanal sweet and savory pastries featuring local flavors. Coming from the public sector, Marguerite passionately retrained as a pastry chef, building up a small business with 20 employees. Rouguiatou brings her expertise in marketing and business development, while Daniel supports strategy and governance. Together, they are positioning KANEL as an innovative player in Senegal's agri-food sector.

Partnership with I&P and Teranga Gestion

KANEL benefits from the support of the I&P Acceleration FARM program, a €4 million initiative designed to finance and support 28 African companies operating in the agricultural sector. This program is supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) through its subsidiary dedicated to the private sector, Proparco.

This strategic partnership will enable KANEL to:

• Finance its working capital requirements in order to support the increase in its production capacity;
• Strengthen its production equipment, increase its storage capacity for seasonal raw materials, and expand its product range;
• Deploy a structured marketing and sales strategy to better address its target markets and support its growth.

CHEZBIO is a young Cameroonian company operating in the agri-food sector. It stands out for its artisanal production of agri-food processing equipment and ground spices. By adopting an import substitution approach, the company actively contributes to reducing dependence on imports, while providing concrete solutions to post-harvest losses. CHEZBIO thus facilitates access for agricultural and agri-food entrepreneurs to suitable and affordable equipment, promoting the creation of sustainable local value.

The entrepreneur

CHEZBIO, formally established in 2021 but active since 2019, was founded by Brice KENE TAKALA, a 30-year-old Cameroonian web application developer. Following facial paralysis in 2018 caused by intense work-related stress, he adopted a diet based on natural products. Faced with the unavailability of processing equipment on the local market, he retrained as a manufacturer of agri-food processing equipment, putting his technical skills to use in developing tailored and accessible solutions.

Partnership with I&P

CHEZBIO is supported by I&P FARM, a €4 million program aimed at financing and supporting 28 start-ups and SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on French-speaking countries in West, Central, and East Africa, in the agricultural sector supported by PROPARCO. In Cameroon, the program is being implemented by Fako Capital.

This partnership will enable this SME to:

• Finance the establishment of an R&D design office with a view to offering equipment for a more professional clientele;
• Develop production sites with a view to optimizing productivity and improving working conditions for employees;
• Strengthen its team, mainly in production, but also in administration and sales.

Founded in 2005, Baobab Des Saveurs generates its revenue primarily through the wholesale of processed products made from leaves, seeds, fruits, flowers, etc. The company specializes in the promotion, production, and marketing of natural, ethical, diverse, and innovative ingredients derived from West African plants. Its flagship products include oils, powders, and leaves, with baobab as its signature product.

The company has demonstrated its resilience in the face of challenges over the years and has distinguished itself through its commitment to producing high-quality products while promoting fair trade and local development.

The entrepreneur

Pierre-Gilles COMMEAT, a tropical agronomist by training, is the founder and manager of Baobab Des Saveurs.

Thanks to his expertise in the agricultural field, he has conducted several training courses, feasibility studies, surveys, diagnostics, and implementations for prestigious organizations such as the FAO, CIRAD, and GRET between 2001 and 2016.

He has more than 19 years of professional/entrepreneurial experience in the agricultural sector.

Partnership with I&P and Gaia Impact

Baobab Des Saveurs benefits from the support of the I&P Acceleration FARM program, a €4 million initiative designed to finance and support 28 African companies operating in the agricultural sector. This program is supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) through its subsidiary dedicated to the private sector, Proparco.

This strategic partnership will enable the company to:

• Improve the availability of its products throughout the year;
• Achieve better international positioning and strengthen its position in the local market;
• Reduce its dependence on fossil fuels;
• Improve working conditions for its employees and product quality.

ETS KAO is an Ivorian company founded in 2018, specializing in the processing and marketing of food products. It manufactures and distributes powders and spices, oilseed pastes (peanut, pistachio, cashew, etc.), as well as flours and pulps. Its products are intended for the local market, particularly large and medium-sized supermarkets, wholesalers, convenience stores, and individuals. Processing and packaging activities are carried out at its production site located in Abobo, a district of Abidjan.

The entrepreneur

Odette KASSI is the founder of ETS KAO. With a high school diploma, she has over 10 years of experience in the food products sector in Côte d'Ivoire. After a career in primary education, she launched her food products business in 2011. Faced with issues related to expiration dates, she shifted her focus to the processing of oilseeds and dried food products. In 2013, she created the sole proprietorship ETS KAO, which became a limited liability company in 2018.

Partnership with I&P and Proparco

ETS KAO benefits from the support of I&P Accélération FARM, a €4 million program backed by proparco and designed to finance around 20 SMEs in sub-Saharan Africa active across the entire agricultural value chain (product processing, primary agriculture, livestock farming, fish farming, distribution, equipment and input sales, agritech, etc.). In Côte d'Ivoire, this program is implemented by Comoé Capital.

This partnership will enable the SME to finance:

• The purchase of a delivery vehicle;
• The acquisition of additional equipment (bagging machines, labeling machines);
• Communication activities for new products;
• Renovation work to install new equipment;
• Working capital requirements.

AGRO-AQUACULTURE is an innovative company operating in the aquaculture sector, specifically in fish farming. Based in Kindia (Guinea), it specializes in the production and marketing of fingerlings, the sale of fish feed, the distribution of fish farming equipment (above-ground tanks, pH meters, nets, scales, etc.), as well as practical and theoretical training in above-ground fish farming.

Entrepreneurs

AGRO-AQUACULTURE, founded in 2022 by Aguibou BARRY and Amadou Oury BARRY, is led by two young entrepreneurs who complement each other well.

• Aguibou BARRY, co-founder and principal manager, holds a bachelor's degree in public law and has over six years of experience in fish farming and geotechnics in Côte d'Ivoire and Mali. Formerly head of the fish farm at Koudjis Mali, he has solid expertise in hatchery development and fish farming training, as well as a sustainable strategic vision.
• Amadou Oury BARRY, co-founder and co-manager, has a degree in journalism and switched to fish farming in 2019. He brings his skills in administrative management, communication, and business development, supporting the internal structure and growth of the company through his network and commitment.

Partnership with I&P

AGRO-AQUACULTURE is supported by I&P Acceleration FARM. This partnership will enable the company to:

• Increase its production capacity by creating a semi-modern hatchery capable of producing between 20,000 and 25,000 fry every 75 days;
• Set up a fish feed production unit;
• Strengthen its financial and commercial management capabilities;
• Contribute to the promotion of the fish farming sector at the national level.

Mayaki Trading is a company specializing in the solar energy markets, particularly solar kits, and construction.

The activities are distributed as follows in terms of revenue:

• 75% clean energy (60% pay as you go – 40% sale of batteries, mini power plants, inverters, etc.)
• 25% construction of public works buildings and water supply

The entrepreneur

Mayaki Trading was founded by MAMAN Mahaman Kabirou, a graduate in Management Information Technology, several times consultant in the field of NTIC training, in digital data processing, in management and business leader. He was several times Head and member of the Nigerien delegation of business leaders for the Trade Mission and business opportunities at trade fairs dedicated to solar and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the USA, United Arab Emirates, Burkina Faso, Turkey, England, Tunisia and France.

Partnership with I&P and Sinergi SA

I&P has partnered with Mayaki Trading:

• For the acquisition of a container of solar kits, equivalent to approximately 3,000 kits.
• Financing of 60,000.00 FCFA
• Establishment of a technical assistance mission on accounting and finance, as well as on the commercial aspect.

Main Impacts

• Annual reduction of more than 226 tons of CO₂e through the introduction of solar equipment.
• Reduction in air pollution (by replacing coal and wood fires) and improvement of air quality in urban areas.
• Creation and sustainability of skilled jobs, with technical training for young salespeople and the gradual inclusion of women.
• Increased energy autonomy for users, reducing dependence on the unstable and unavailable public grid.
• Existence of an innovative digital platform for real-time monitoring, startup and shutdown, optimization, and proactive maintenance of installed equipment.

Find out more 

Facebook page of Mayaki Trading 

Félin Express, founded in late 2023 in Ouagadougou, offers solar-powered electric mobility solutions tailored to African realities, combining scooter rental and sales with maintenance, insurance, and charging stations. In less than a year, the company has traveled more than 180,000 km, installed around 40 solar systems, and already avoided more than 11 tons of CO₂.

Entrepreneurs

Abraham BALIMA : An experienced manager, he has led teams and industrial units for the international Newrest group in Africa and Latin America. Upon his return to Burkina Faso, he co-founded Félin Express in late 2023 to offer professionals reliable, accessible, and field-appropriate solar-powered electric mobility, drawing on his rigor and all his past experience. 

Kim Ouedraogo : With a PhD in electronics and a background as an embedded systems engineer, he has spent nearly 20 years leading high-level technical projects in France for the automotive, rail, and nuclear industries. As co-founder of Félin Express, he designs the energy architecture, selects equipment, and ensures the technical reliability of the scooters and solar stations.  

Partnership with I&P and Néré Capital

I&P has partnered with Félin Express to:

• Strengthen the company's capabilities through the acquisition of new electric scooters and the installation of new solar stations;
• Strengthen the team's capabilities through the recruitment of key profiles;
• Develop and launch a digital platform for real-time monitoring and optimal fleet management;
• Set up specialized technical support to improve accounting, financial management, and internal organization.

Main Impacts

• Annual reduction of more than 292 tons of CO₂ thanks to solar electric mobility;
• Reduction in noise pollution and improvement in air quality in urban areas;
• Creation and sustainability of skilled jobs, with technical training for young people and the gradual inclusion of women;
• Increased energy independence for users, reducing dependence on the public grid and imported fuels;
• Implementation of an innovative digital platform for real-time monitoring, optimization, and proactive maintenance of the fleet.

Learn more

• Félin express website
• LinkedIn Page 
• Facebook Page 

SolarDev, a Burkinabe company, facilitates access to solar energy for SMEs through turnkey energy leasing solutions that combine reliability and sustainable savings. In less than three years, it has financed 389 kWp of installations, reducing CO₂ emissions by more than 1,036 tons.

Entrepreneurs 

Sylvestre Coulibaly : With a background in finance, he worked for major international banks before joining a West African investment fund. He co-founded SolarDev in 2021 with the ambition of making solar energy accessible to SMEs. He oversees strategy and development. 

Cédric Sama : An expert in project financing and organization, he has carried out assignments for international players in the energy and development sectors. At SolarDev, he ensures the soundness of contracts, internal structuring, and smooth operational functioning. 

Partnership with I&P and Néré Capital

I&P has partnered with Solar Dev to:

• Finance and build additional installations;
• strategically strengthen the team;  
• provide the company with a centralized digital platform for monitoring installations;  
• set up a technical assistance mission for accounting and financial matters.  

Main Impacts

• Installation of more than 300 kWp of additional capacity for the benefit of local businesses;
• More than 259 tons of CO₂ avoided over the next few years;
• Reduced pressure on the public grid, benefiting the most vulnerable users;
• Creation of several direct jobs in technical and administrative functions;
• Strengthening of the company's organizational and monitoring capabilities. This development is also accompanied by recruitment, team strengthening, and improved digital performance management.

Learn more

• SolarDev website
• LinkedIn page
• YouTube channel  

KAOPLAST est dirigée par Sandrine Montigaud, 41 ans, française installée au Sénégal depuis 2017. Ancienne sportive diplômée en STAPS, elle a gravi les échelons de l’entreprise depuis 2019, jusqu’à en prendre la tête en 2021. Elle s’appuie sur une équipe expérimentée et une gouvernance impliquée, portée par les actionnaires.

KAOPLAST is accompanied by I&P and Teranga Capital through the CATAL1.5°T program. The funds raised are intended for:

• Strengthen and expand its range of recycled products (MPIR).
• Support the company in making strategic investments (CAPEX).
• Structure the administrative and financial function.

​Key Impacts 

• KAOPLAST expects a 52% increase in its workforce between 2023 (46 jobs) and 2029 (70 jobs), with the proportion of formal jobs tripling.
• The amount of recycled plastic is expected to increase by 171% between 2023 and 2027.
• By recycling 487 tons in the first year of the project, the company will avoid approximately 1,800 tons of CO2e.

Learn more

• Kaoplast website
• LinkedIn Page
• Facebook page