Interview with Angéline Yougbaré Traoré, founder of Maison Fenel in Burkina Faso

Last June, I&P went to meet Angéline Yougbaré Traoré, a young entrepreneur who founded Maison Fenel, a company specialized in the production and marketing of fashion accessories made from local woven fabrics (Faso Dan Fani) and the first company run by a woman who benefited from I&P Acceleration in Sahel in Burkina Faso.

 

 

 

 

 

English

Kokuma

Sector of activity: Agro-food
Status: Investissement en capital
Entrepreneur: Jean-Paul Yoda
Country: Burkina Faso
A propos:

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​

 

In portfolio since: 2021

Distrib Concept

Sector of activity: Agro-food
Status: Financement d'amorçage
Entrepreneur: Inoussa Sorgho
Country: Burkina Faso
A propos:

 

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​

 

In portfolio since: 2021

Yam Agro Industrie

Sector of activity: Agro-food
Status: Financement d'amorçage
Entrepreneur: Steve YAMEOGO
Country: Burkina Faso
A propos:

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​​

In portfolio since: 2020

La Maison Fenel

Sector of activity: Industry, Textile
Status: Financement d'amorçage
Entrepreneur: Angéline TRAORE YOUGBARE
Country: Burkina Faso
A propos:

 

La Maison Fenel produces and markets fashion accessories (fitted accessories, ordinary sewing accessories and leather goods accessories) from local fabrics woven in Burkina Faso (Faso Danfani). 

 

The Entrepreneur

Fenel was founded in 2019 by Angéline TRAORE YOUGBARE, who before creating the company, worked for 10 years as manager and main designer at Nagteedo Création, a company specialized in fashion and pearl jewelry. Passionate about fashion since 2007, it is in 2019 that she started to develop local woven loincloths such as the Faso Dan fani.

 

Discover our video report on Maison Fenel

 

Contribution of I&P Acceleration in Sahel and Sinergi Burkina

La Maison Fenel is supported by Sinergi Burkina as part of the I&P Acceleration program in Sahel.

The main objectives of this partnership are to :

  • Increase production capacity and product quality
  • Diversify the company's products by launching a range of ready-to-wear products made from Faso Danfani
  • Set up an internal accounting system kept by a professional
  • Strengthen the sales force and the visibility of the company 
  • Restructuring the company and strengthening its management system

 

Expected Impacts

  • Consolidation of 7 existing full-time jobs and creation of 6 new formal jobs for young people and full-time women
  • Contribution to the national economy through the payment of taxes to the tax authorities
  • Increased revenues for Faso Danfani loincloth weavers
  • Creation of a strong added value through the valorization of local products
  • Reducing imports of fashion accessories and strengthening exports

 

Read more

Company's website

 


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​

 

In portfolio since: 2020

Savonnerie Parfumerie du Houet

Sector of activity: Cosmétique
Status: Investissement en capital
Entrepreneur: Moumouni KONATE
Country: Burkina Faso
A propos:

A family business created in 1996 by Moumouni KONATE, the Savonnerie Parfumerie du Houet (SPH) is a company specialized in the production and marketing of shea butter-based hygiene products.

At the beginning, it was just a simple artisanal soap production unit which, thanks to the dynamism and commitment of the team, has been able to modernize and position itself as one of the leaders in its field. Within the framework of its partnership with SINERGI Burkina, the SPH aims to market just over 3,000 tons of cosmetic products in Burkina Faso.

 

THE ENTREPRENEUR

A former career banker, Mr. KONATE has more than 15 years of banking experience and holds a professional banking diploma from the Institut des Arts et Métiers de Paris. During his entrepreneurial career, he was 1st vice-president and then president of the Global Alliance of Shea (AGK). His commitment and dynamism have earned him several laurels:

  • Industrial Companionship Award France/Africa/Mediterranean (2006) with l'OCCITANE
  • Knight of the Order of Merit of Commerce and Industry (2009)
  • Award for the best exporter of the Agency for the Promotion of Exports of Burkina Faso (2012)
  • Officer of the Order of Merit of Commerce and Industry in (2014)

 

CONTRIBUTION OF SINERGI BURKINA

The objectives of the partnership include :

  • Support to the managerial team and operationalization of the governance bodies
  • Reinforcement of the annual production capacity
  • Diversification of customers and products

 

EXPECTED IMPACTS

  • Formalization and protection jobs
  • Valorization 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​

In portfolio since: 2020

Salgatech

Sector of activity: Energy
Status: Financement d'amorçage
Entrepreneur: Silvère SALGA
Country: Burkina Faso
A propos:

Salgatech is a company operating in the renewable energy sector. It specialises in the production and installation of multifunctional cold rooms and ice machines that it markets in Burkina Faso.

 

THE ENTREPRENEUR

Salgatech SARL was created in 2018 by Silvère SALGA. Inventor, innovator, writer and trainer, Silvère SALGA is a seasoned expert in entrepreneurship, research and development, and green energy. He is the author of several scientific works and discoveries such as, Tensis system, The Theory of Transforming Humanity and The Theory of the Changing Universe and has received several awards including the Thomas Sankara Medal for Invention and Innovation and the 2nd Prize for the Best Productive Energy Innovation of the Energy Week, and Renewable Energy in Africa (SEERA). 

 

CONTRIBUTION OF SINERGI BURKINA

Salgatech is supported by SINERGI BURKINA as part of the I&P Acceleration in Sahel programme. The main objective of this partnership is to :

  • Relaunch and strengthen the production capacities of solar cold rooms 
  • To set up a "cold landlord" service or service for renting solar cold room spaces.
  • Set up an internal accounting system run by a professional.
  • Strengthen the sales force

 

EXPECTED IMPACTS

  • Consolidation and formalisation of 17 existing jobs, 6 of which are full-time and 12 new formal jobs for young people and women.
  • Contribution to the economy through the payment of taxes to the tax administration
  • Reduction of imports and/or the use of electric cold rooms with harmful consequences for the environment 
  • Strengthen the agricultural and food sectors by reducing post-harvest losses.

 

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

In portfolio since: 2020

Nouvelle Vision Scolaire

Sector of activity: Education & Training
Status: Financement d'amorçage
Entrepreneur: Joel ZOMA
Country: Burkina Faso
A propos:

Nouvelle Vision Scolaire (NVS) is a school created in 2013, located in the heart of the capital, Ouagadougou. With great success, the school quickly invested in a class for primary school and today has 4 classes and 3 classes for kindergarten with 255 pupils. This school has the particularity of introducing its pupils to English and computer science, agriculture and animal husbandry, music as well as swimming and karate.

THE ENTREPRENEUR

The New School Vision School is an initiative of Joel ZOMA, who has more than 17 years of experience in mass distribution, acquired in the management of Convergence Ramon Wende (CORAM), a distribution company with large surfaces in the big cities of Burkina Faso. He is also the initiator of the general trading company Grâce Business Services and of TGD Voyage, specialising in public transport.

CONTRIBUTION OF SINERGI BURKINA

NVS has been supported since 2019 by Sinergi Burkina as part of the Partnering to Accelerate Entrepreneurship (PACE) programme in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The purpose of the partnership concerns : 

  • Increasing reception capacity
  • Financing of the closure
  • Setting up of the accounting system
  • Increase in the transport capacity of pupils by adding a second bus
  • Installation of an emergency generator in the event of a power outage

 


 

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 

ABOUT USAID PROGRAM

Investisseurs & Partenaires and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched in 2016 an innovative acceleration program for young companies located in Niger, Burkina Faso and Senegal. The partnership will support high-potential start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises to facilitate their access to financing in a region where the ecosystem supporting entrepreneurship is still underdeveloped.

Click here to find out more

In portfolio since: 2019

Afrik Bovia

Sector of activity: Agro-food
Status: Financement d'amorçage
Entrepreneur: Mauhamed Lamine SY
Country: Burkina Faso
A propos:

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

 

In portfolio since: 2020

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