Mali Shi

Country: Mali
Sector of activity: Agro-food
Status: Capital investment
Associed fund: I&P Expansion, IPAE 2
Entrepreneur: Karim Ghammache
In portfolio since: 2023

Founded in 2019 by Karim Ghammache, Mali Shi is Mali's first industrial shea butter processor. The company produces high-quality shea butter for the international market as a sustainable and environmentally friendly substitute for cocoa butter.

Mali Shi uses two different supply chains: in the traditional supply chain, the company buys shea from local suppliers and partners. It also buys directly from women collectors, thereby improving the incomes of rural women.  Mali Shi prioritizes direct purchases from women collectors through its own network, which is the main source of supply.

 

The entrepreneur

A Lebanese-Malian entrepreneur, Karim Ghammache grew up in Mali, and moved to France to complete his secondary education. He pursued his studies in finance in Canada, at HEC Montréal and McGill University, before joining the family business in Mali after completing his degree.

He joined the management of two startups launched by his family: Diago Mineral Water and Omnium, and took part in their restructuring and turnaround after difficult beginnings. In 2019, he acquired Omnium Mali, turning it into one of the most technically advanced factories in Africa.

Building on this successful experience with Omnium Mali, in 2011 he launched Omnium Invest, an investment company that creates and deploys startups run by autonomous management teams. Through this structure, he steers Mali Shi.

 

Partnership with I&P

Mali Shi is supported by I&P through the I&P Afrique Entrepreneurs 2 (IPAE 2) fund. The funds raised will be used to :

  • Strengthen the company's WCR ;
  • Strengthen its capacity to raise seasonal credit;
  • Increase the production capacity of the facility.

 

Expected Impact

  • Local processing of shea kernels, creating value and limiting exports of raw materials;
  • Improved conditions for women in rural areas;
  • Strong job creation and skills transfer in the shea kernel processing industry;
  • Structuring the shea kernel industry and improving the income of women's kernel-collecting cooperatives.

Mali Shi website : Click here