Chez Bio

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.