Agro-food

Kokuma is an industrial unit for processing paddy rice into whole white rice, broken rice and rice bran in Burkina Faso.  It is one of the best paddy rice processors on the Bagré plain, with a daily processing capacity of 30 tons of paddy. The company obtains its paddy from a network of more than 200 producers in some 20 groups.

THE ENTREPRENEUR

Kokuma is an initiative of the diocese of Tenkodogo, represented by Father Jean-Paul Yoda. Before managing Kokuma, he was the manager of the store of the minor seminary of Baskouré for about four years and also conducted personally during his young age, the breeding of pigs and poultry that allowed him to build up small savings to contribute to his schooling. As he likes to repeat, entrepreneurship is not primarily done to get rich, but to improve the living conditions of man and every man.

SINERGI BURKINA'S CONTRIBUTIONS

The company is accompanied by Sinergi Burkina (capital investment).  The partnership aims to :

• Increase qualitatively and quantitatively the company's offer 
• Diversify the customer portfolio 
• Establish the basis for an organizational and accounting structure of the company 
• Create impact through the structuring of strong and organized producers' cooperatives

EXPECTED IMPACTS

• Formalizing and securing jobs 
• Improvement of health and safety measures at work 
• Creation of new jobs 
• Valuation of local products 
• Establishment of good governance 
• Payment of taxes and social contributions

About Sinergi Burkina

Created in 2014, Sinergi Burkina is the first impact investment fund dedicated to financing and supporting SMEs and start-ups in Burkina Faso. Headed by Job Zongo, Sinergi Burkina is the second investment fund sponsored by Investisseurs & Partenaires as part of the I&P Développement 2 fund. The fund network currently includes a fund in Niger (Sinergi Niger), Côte d'Ivoire (Comoé Capital), Senegal (Teranga Capital) and Madagascar (Miarakap).  → To learn more about Sinergi Burkina​

Distrib Concept is a Burkinabe agribusiness start-up that aims to revolutionize the way agricultural products are preserved. Its solution: to dry and then grind leaves and vegetables into spices and broths in order to extend their shelf life beyond one year. The company produces and then markets dried vegetables, spices and instant broths in sticks of 2 to 3 grams marketed under the brand Leila. This ingenious solution allowed the company to finish in second place in 2020 at the Pierre Castel Innovation Award.

THE ENTREPRENEUR

Distrib Concept was created in 2016 by Inoussa Sorgho, a former civil service executive. Holder of a master's degree in Economic Sciences and Management of Enterprises and Organizations (EGEO), his commitment and dynamism, have earned him several laurels:

• Winner of the Castel 2020 prize
• Best Packaging Award at JAAL 2019
• Silver medalist at the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad 2002

SINERGI BURKINA'S CONTRIBUTIONS

Distrib Concept is supported by Sinergi Burkina through  I&P Acceleration in Sahel whose objectives are :

• Strengthen the annual production capacity
• Strengthen the accounting and Management Information System (MIS)
• Diversify the clientele and products
• Support HACCP certification

EXPECTED IMPACTS

• Formalization and securing of jobs
• Creation of new jobs
• Valuation of local products
• Establishment of good governance
• Payment of taxes and social contributions

About Sinergi Burkina

Created in 2014, Sinergi Burkina is the first impact investment fund dedicated to financing and supporting SMEs and start-ups in Burkina Faso. Headed by Job Zongo, Sinergi Burkina is the second investment fund sponsored by Investisseurs & Partenaires as part of the I&P Développement 2 fund. The fund network currently includes a fund in Niger (Sinergi Niger), Côte d'Ivoire (Comoé Capital), Senegal (Teranga Capital) and Madagascar (Miarakap).  → To learn more about Sinergi Burkina​

Salma is a company specialized in agro-industry. It produces feed for livestock (sheep, cattle, goats) based on fodder, agro-industrial products and minerals.

THE ENTREPRENEUR

Salma was created by Mrs. Nafissa Hamidou ABDOULAYE. She holds a state diploma in midwifery and a higher technician diploma in public health, a bachelor's degree in epidemiology and biostatistics and a master's degree in project management. She benefits from the expertise and permanent technical support of INRAN researchers in the implementation of her project.

ABOUT SINERGI 

SINERGI S.A. is a private investment company created in 2006 and supported by I&P with a group of key individual and institutional shareholders in the Nigerien and international SME support landscape. Headed by Ibrahima Djibo, its objective is to contribute to the economic and social development of Niger through the promotion of entrepreneurship and the development of SMEs. SINERGI S.A. provides the means for entrepreneurs in Niger to achieve their growth projects by providing long-term financing and local support.  → Find out more about Sinergi

ABOUT USAID PROGRAM

Investisseurs & Partenaires and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched in 2016 an innovative acceleration program for start-ups in Niger, Burkina Faso and Senegal. The partnership is designed to support high-potential start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises in order to facilitate their access to financing in a region where the ecosystem supporting entrepreneurship is still poorly developed. → Click here to find out more

Sahel Délices is a company specialized in the production and marketing of food products (juices, herbal teas, jams, etc.) made from local raw materials from Niger. Juices made from local plants such as bissap or baobab are the company's flagship products.

THE ENTREPRENEUR

Sahel Délices was founded by Ms. Rockya Bachir. She holds a master's degree in management with an option in quality and change and another master's degree in finance and banking from the Institut Supérieur de Management. She received practical training in food processing for "family consumption" in Senegal and is part of the 15th promotion of the UEMOA Talent du Monde program in Brittany.

ABOUT SINERGI

SINERGI S.A. is a private investment company created in 2006 and supported by I&P with a group of key individual and institutional shareholders in the Nigerien and international SME support landscape. Headed by Ibrahima Djibo, its objective is to contribute to the economic and social development of Niger through the promotion of entrepreneurship and the development of SMEs. SINERGI S.A. provides the means for entrepreneurs in Niger to achieve their growth projects by providing long-term financing and local support.  → Find out more about Sinergi

ABOUT PACE PROGRAM 

Investisseurs & Partenaires and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched in 2016 an innovative acceleration program for start-ups in Niger, Burkina Faso and Senegal. The partnership is designed to support high-potential start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises in order to facilitate their access to financing in a region where the ecosystem supporting entrepreneurship is still poorly developed. → Click here to find out more

Nowelli is a small Senegalese company that specializes in individual and collective catering (catering service and canteen management). Through its various offers, Nowelli provides its customers with healthy and balanced products, with a particular focus on reducing the amount of sugar, salt and fat.

THE ENTREPRENEURS

The company Nowelli was created by two promoters who are : 

• Mrs. Mariama DIENE, passionate about healthy nutrition, she has a degree in International Business from the European Institute of Higher Education and in public policy and development management from Sciences Po. She held several positions in NGOs and financial institutions before devoting herself to her passion, cooking.
• Mrs. Mariama Selly Kane, who has more than 10 years of experience in individual catering and management of company canteens.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF TERANGA CAPITAL

Nowelli has benefited from I&P Acceleration in  Sahel program implemented in Senegal by Teranga Capital:

• To support the company in the development of a new offer for the management of school and company canteens (collective catering)
• To support the company in the strategic reflexion around its positioning and the commercial development of its activities
• To support the company in the reinforcement of its commercial, financial and accounting functions and the maintenance of the quality of its products and services.

ABOUT TERANGA CAPITAL

Teranga Capital is the first impact investment fund dedicated to the financing and support of Senegalese SMEs and start-ups. Headed by Olivier Furdelle, Teranga Capital is the third African fund sponsored by Investisseurs & Partenaires under the I&P Développement 2 program. The network currently includes a fund in Niger (Sinergi Niger), Burkina Faso (Sinergi Burkina), Ivory Coast (Comoé Capital) and Madagascar (Miarakap). → Find out more about Teranga Capital

Syn'el is a company specialized in the artisanal production of sorbets on sticks under the Paletas brand, made from entirely natural juices. In Côte d'Ivoire, Syn'el is the only producer of natural sorbets. The company has 6 flavours according to the seasons and 2 product ranges.

THE ENTREPRENEUR

Syn'el was founded in 2017 by Ella Assié, a young entrepreneur who graduated from the University of South Africa in management and cost accounting after obtaining a certificate in Accountability at the Abidjan School of Information and Management. She has also worked for several years as a consultant, assistant and administrative and financial manager in various organisations.

CONTRIBUTION OF COMOE CAPITAL

The I&P Acceleration in Sahel program, implemented in Côte d'Ivoire by Comoé Capital, will enable Syn'el to relaunch its activities, develop a product marketing strategy and increase its production capacity. The company will also benefit from the support of several consultants who will provide marketing and sales support.

In terms of impact, the company expects to create 9 new jobs by 2022.

ABOUT COMOE CAPITAL

Comoé Capital is the first impact investment fund dedicated to the financing and support of Ivorian SMEs and start-ups. Headed by Issa Sidibé, Comoé Capital is the fifth African fund sponsored by Investisseurs & Partenaires as part of the I&P Développement 2 fund. The fund network currently includes a fund in Niger (Sinergi Niger), Burkina Faso (Sinergi Burkina), Senegal (Teranga Capital) and Madagascar (Miarakap). →Site of Comoé Capital.

Citrine Corporation is a company specialized in the processing of cassava into fresh attiéké (cassava semolina) and placali (cassava paste) in the south of Côte d'Ivoire, more precisely in Grand-Bassam. The company markets its products on the local and international market. Since the release of the products on the market, they are highly appreciated by the local community and the diaspora, for their quality and their branding which highlights the pride of the African identity.

THE ENTREPRENEUR

Mohamed Diaby holds an MBA in International Business Management which he will complete in 2014 at the École Supérieure de Management de France and an M.sc. in Banking, Finance and Risk Management which he will complete in 2012 at Glasgow Caledonian University in the UK. He has six years of experience in food trading.

CONTRIBUTION OF COMOE CAPITAL

The I&P Acceleration in Sahel funding will enable the company to optimise and increase its production capacity. The company will also benefit from the support of several consultants who will support the local commercial strategy, the optimisation of production processes and accounting and financial processes, the training of employees on quality and hygiene measures and on environmental issues, particularly with regard to the management of waste from the activity.

In terms of impact, the company plans to create 23 new jobs by 2022.

YAM AGRO is a company that operates in the food industry. Created in 2019, it specializes in the production of syrups (bissap, ginger) and mango jam.

THE ENTREPRENEUR

YAM AGRO INDUSTRIE was founded by Steve YAMEOGO. Passionate about the agricultural sector and having grown up in the food processing industry, he holds an engineering degree in electromechanical engineering from the Private Polytechnic Institute of Casablanca (Morocco).

CONTRIBUTION OF SINERGI BURKINA

YAM AGRO is accompanied by SINERGI BURKINA within the framework of the I&P Acceleration program in Sahel.

The main objective of this partnership is to :

• Improve product quality and increase syrup production capacity
• Consolidate its gains in the market (strengthen its positioning and build loyalty among existing customers) and win a larger customer base at the national level
• Restructuring the company and strengthening its management system
• Diversify the company's products through the production of bissap wine

EXPECTED IMPACTS

• Consolidation and formalization of 7 existing jobs and creation of 10 new formal jobs for young people and women
• Contribution to the national economy through the payment of taxes to the tax authorities 
• Contribution to the development of agricultural sectors through the valorization of local products

About Sinergi Burkina

Created in 2014, Sinergi Burkina is the first impact investment fund dedicated to financing and supporting SMEs and start-ups in Burkina Faso. Headed by Job Zongo, Sinergi Burkina is the second investment fund sponsored by Investisseurs & Partenaires as part of the I&P Développement 2 fund. The fund network currently includes a fund in Niger (Sinergi Niger), Côte d'Ivoire (Comoé Capital), Senegal (Teranga Capital) and Madagascar (Miarakap).  → To learn more about Sinergi Burkina​​

Created in 2010 initially under the name of ICO and became ICONA in 2020, the Internationale des Céréales et Oléagineux, Nutrition Animale (ICONA) is a Burkinabe company specialized in the manufacture of animal feed.

ICONA is one of the few Burkinabe manufacturers able to provide feed adapted to animals, whatever their species and age. The company is thus particularly competitive, offering an attractive quality/price ratio.

The entrepreneur

Martial SAWADOGO is a French-Burkinabe entrepreneur, doctor in animal nutrition. He has more than 25 years of experience in the feed industry and has been an entrepreneur since 1999.

Partnership with I&P

Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) has committed itself alongside ICONA in order to

• Increase the company's production capacity and enable it to increase its volumes on the local market.
• Support it in strengthening its production equipment, facilities and commercial means (vehicles).
• To formalize, in particular through the setting up of contracts for its employees, their registration with the social security and the setting up of mutual health insurance for the whole staff.

Expected impacts

The partnership between I&P and ICONA should contribute to

• Improving the working conditions and wages of employees.
• Improve the availability of quality feed on the Burkina Faso market. Breeders often have to turn to low quality products. The increase in ICONA's production capacity will make it possible to respond to the supply deficit by offering quality products at an attractive price and will, therefore, have a significant impact on the local value chain.

 Learn more about ICONA

Afrik Bovia is a cattle farm created in 2011 by Mauhamed Lamine SY specialized in the production of cow's milk, located in Bobo-Dioulasso, the economic capital of Burkina Faso.

THE ENTREPRENEUR

Holder of a high school diploma from the Islamic University of Medina, he has several experiences in food and dairy production. He worked as a representative in Riyadh of the French company SIBERT PATENT specialized in the production and installation of horticultural greenhouses but also as a fruit and vegetable import manager at SHADEL COMPANY in partnership with Flex Faso. In 2006, he launched into entrepreneurship by creating GULF AFRICAN GROUP, a company specialized in the export of mango and beef. 

CONTRIBUTIONS BY SINERGI BURKINA

Afrik Bovia is supported by SINERGI BURKINA as part of the I&P Acceleration program in the Sahel, with funding of 57,000 € (36,575,000 FCFA).

The main objective of this partnership is to :

• To have adequate material and human resources for the establishment of a production unit of yogurt and pasteurized milk (semi-handcrafted dairy).
• Set up the yogurt and pasteurized milk production unit to enable the company to enhance its production and create more added value
• Penetrate and conquer the market for cow's milk dairy products (100%) in the project area and more generally in Burkina Faso
• Set up an internal accounting system kept by a professional

EXPECTED IMPACTS

• Formalization of 10 existing jobs and the creation of 9 new formal and decent jobs for women and young people
• Contribution to the national economy through the payment of taxes to the tax authorities
• Better structuring and organization of the company
• Establishment of good governance

ABOUT SINERGI BURKINA

Created in 2014, Sinergi Burkina is the first impact investment fund dedicated to financing and supporting SMEs and start-ups in Burkina Faso. Headed by Job Zongo, Sinergi Burkina is the second investment fund sponsored by Investisseurs & Partenaires as part of the I&P Développement 2 fund. The fund network currently includes a fund in Niger (Sinergi Niger), Côte d'Ivoire (Comoé Capital), Senegal (Teranga Capital) and Madagascar (Miarakap).  → To learn more about Sinergi Burkina