Senegal

SheTOSS is a Senegalese company specializing in the installation and maintenance of prefabricated domestic biodigesters, a technology that converts organic waste into biogas for cooking and bio-compost for agriculture. Founded in 2022 by Frédérique Sheridan, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the energy transition in rural areas.

The entrepreneur

Frédérique Sheridan, a Dutch entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of SheTOSS, a company specializing in domestic biodigesters for rural areas. With degrees in physiotherapy and pediatric physical therapy, she completed Stanford's Seed Transformation Program in 2022.

Based in Senegal since 2013, she led VITALITE Senegal, connecting more than 11,000 households to solar energy, and co-founded a clinic in Thiès. After VITALITE's post-COVID difficulties, she launched SheTOSS to continue her commitment to the climate sector. Winner of the PFAN award in 2018, she also trained more than 100 young people in the basics of solar energy with GIZ in 2024.

Partnership with I&P and Teranga Capital

I&P has committed to working alongside SheTOSS:

• To finance 100 biodigesters and working capital to accelerate installations as part of its partnership with PNB, which plans to install 500 biodigesters.
• To assist the company in structuring its administrative and financial functions, supporting its growth and strengthening the quality of its internal management.
• To provide SheTOSS with a strategic partner to help it achieve its objectives.

Main impacts

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.

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.

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

Based in Senegal, Senfrais is a refrigeration company specialized in the production of solar-powered refrigeration units that can be adapted to various types of vehicle (lorries, tricycles). This young company has added a digital dimension to its model, making it possible to track the temperature of refrigerated boxes in real time, in addition to vehicle tracking.

The entrepreneur

Senfrais was founded in 2023 by Seydina SECK, a Senegalese entrepreneur with experience in creating transport and preservation solutions for products in the cold chain.

Partnership with I&P and Teranga Capital

Senfrais is supported by I&P Digital Energy, a €4.8 million program to finance and support a dozen start-ups and SMEs in sub-Saharan Africa offering digital solutions for access to affordable energy, backed by AFD and the European Union. In Senegal, this program is implemented by Teranga Capital.

This partnership will enable this start-up to:

• Boost production in line with the development of its customer portfolio and the production unit by building up a stock of refrigerated tricycles, which will also enable it to meet the needs of individual and informal players under the cash-on-delivery model
• Boost the sales function by creating a dedicated unit whose mission will be to implement targeted strategies tailored to the profiles of the various prospects in order to achieve good sales traction
• Strengthen its digital component by adding additional functionalities such as remote control/adjustment of the temperature in the refrigerated cases, in order to ultimately achieve a product that is easy to use and adapted to the needs of local customers, and to strengthen its competitive advantage
• Strengthen its differentiation from traditional refrigerated vehicles (trucks) by adapting its offer based on the needs expressed by customers
• Identify the conditions needed to move the product from a niche market to a mainstream market.

Solarbox is a small Senegalese company that began operations in 2022. The company operates in the electric mobility sector, more specifically in the production of 2- and 3-wheel electric vehicles for transporting goods or people. Solarbox's electric vehicles feature a digital component for tracking and data collection. The offer is easily accessible thanks to a monthly leasing model.

The entrepreneur

Tijan WATT, co-founder and Managing Partner of Wuri Ventures since 2017, is the CEO of Solarbox. A dual Senegalese and American national, he graduated from the prestigious Harvard Business School in 2007 with an MBA. He has more than 15 years of professional/entrepreneurial experience to his credit, as well as solid fund-raising skills.

Partnership with I&P and Teranga Capital

Solarbox is supported by I&P Digital Energy, a 4.8 million euro program to finance and support a dozen start-ups and SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa offering digital solutions for access to affordable energy, backed by AFD and the EU.

 In Senegal, this program is implemented by Teranga Capital.

The objectives for this start-up are to :

• Support the company in strengthening its production of electric vehicles to effectively meet the needs of its market 
• Help the company to develop its B2B portfolio as a priority, by boosting the sales function. 
• Support the company in strengthening its R&D in order to develop its offer. 
• Help the company move its product from a niche market to the mass market

Founded in 2020, IBRIZ is a company operating in the renewable energy sector and more specifically in the AgriTech sub-sector with a focus on the productive use of solar energy in agriculture. Its aim is to support small-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa by leveraging technology with an innovative business model. IBRIZ uses proven technologies to build an ecosystem that will impact the lives of small-scale farmers by enabling access to solar water irrigation systems.

Entrepreneurs

The company's vision is driven by two entrepreneurs, Bou Diarra and Serigne Sam Ndao, co-founders of IBRIZ. They have over 15 years of professional entrepreneurial experience to their credit.

Partnership with I&P and Teranga Capital

IBRIZ is supported by I&P Digital Energy, a 4.8 million euro program to finance and support a dozen start-ups and SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa offering digital solutions for access to affordable energy, backed by AFD and the EU. In Senegal, this program is implemented by Teranga Capital.

The objectives of this SME are

• Optimizing the supply of materials (to improve profitability and operational efficiency)
• Improving distribution (to reduce costs associated with damage to equipment and ensure safe delivery) 
• Developing the digital component
• Strengthening its offering 

Sammanté is a Senegalese company that offers its customers digital health coupons. A sammanté health coupon is a digital coupon that allows each beneficiary to pay for their medical expenses in public hospitals and pharmacies. The health coupons are available at a fixed monthly rate and provide financial cover for a range of health services, including consultations, medical check-ups, medicines and surgery. 

The entrepreneur

Sammanté was founded in 2023 by Haskè Ventures and Pauline Barra. Haskè Ventures is a venture studio that supports start-ups with seed capital, strategy development, talent sourcing and operational support. Pauline Barra is a young Senegalese woman with experience in auditing and finance, and in entrepreneurship.

Partnership with I&P and Teranga Capital

Sammanté is supported by I&P Accélération Technologies, a €2.5 million programme to finance and support around 15 start-ups in sub-Saharan Africa, backed by AFD through  Digital Africa. In Senegal, this programme is implemented by Teranga Capital.

This partnership will enable the start-up to

• Improve its product by enhancing existing functionalities
• Strengthen the technological dimension
• Refine its positioning and develop a brand image
• Strengthen its sales and technical teams
• Expand to other countries in the sub-region