Gola Capital

BARKA is an agro-industrial company based in Kankan, Upper Guinea, specializing in the production and processing of paddy rice into parboiled rice. The company operates a modern rice mill that transforms raw paddy rice, as harvested from the fields, into parboiled rice ready for consumption. 

The entrepreneurs 

BARKA was founded in 2021 by the KABA brothers with the ambition of transforming their family rice-farming activity into a modern industrial enterprise. 

• Mohamed KABA, the Managing Director, holds a Master’s degree in Risk Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the City University of New York. He initiated the project in 2020 and currently leads the company’s development strategies and partnerships. His expertise in management and finance plays a key role in BARKA’s growth. 
• Kabinet KABA earned a degree in Mathematics from the City University of New York in 2021. After gaining experience as a financial analyst, he joined BARKA in 2022. He currently serves as Acting Operations Director, responsible for process optimization and team coordination. 
• Abdoulaye KABA is the Logistics and Sales Director. He holds a degree in Logistics Economics from the City University of New York (2018) and previously worked as a logistics assistant before joining BARKA in 2021. He leverages his expertise in supply chain management and distribution to actively contribute to the company’s expansion. 

Partnership with I&P and Gola Capital 

BARKA benefits from the support of the I&P Acceleration FARM program. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen the company’s technical and organizational capacities through several key initiatives: 

• Acquisition of a paddy rice cleaning machine to increase the mill’s productivity; 
• Establishment of a strategic stock of 200 tons of paddy rice; 
• Strengthening of financial and commercial management skills; 
• Active contribution to the promotion of the national rice value chain and to the reinforcement of food security. 

Founded in 2016, CEGEDI (Centre de Gestion des Déchets Industriels) is a Guinean company specializing in the collection, sorting, and treatment of industrial waste, such as plastics, scraps, metal packaging, and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). It also offers consulting and assistance services, as well as solutions for the disposal and recovery of used oils. To carry out its activities, it operates at four strategic sites:

• Nongo-Contéyah headquarters: Administration and WEEE dismantling center;
• Maferinya site: Sorting, storage, and bioremediation center for contaminated soil;
• Tanènè site: Used oil recycling and refining unit;
• Sonfonia platform: Composting unit.

Entrepreneurs

Sékou CISSE (Managing Director and Co-partner) is an experienced Guinean entrepreneur. He has built up his expertise in logistics since 1975, working with international NGOs before founding his own company, GMS, serving leading clients such as Rio Tinto and GAC. Concerned about environmental issues, he created CEGEDI in 2016 to provide a solution for industrial waste treatment based on the polluter pays principle.

Martin HASSANE (Co-partner) is an expert in renewable energies. As an investment partner, he contributes his expertise in management and strategy to CEGEDI's decision-making process, without being involved in day-to-day operations.

Cegedi is accompanied by I&P and Gola Capital through the CATAL1.5°T program. The funds raised will be used to: 

• Finance the establishment of a unit for converting plastic waste into granules;
• Strengthen governance and financial management;
• Revitalize the sales and marketing function;
• Reinforce staff expertise on climate issues.

Key Impacts 

The expected impacts over the next three years are :

• Recycling of 2,246,400 kg of plastic waste;
• Production of 2,134,080 kg of granules;
• Reduction of 3,677.02 tons of CO2eq.

Find out more

• Site internet 
• Page Facebook de Cegedi

AGRO-AQUACULTURE is an innovative company operating in the aquaculture sector, specifically in fish farming. Based in Kindia (Guinea), it specializes in the production and marketing of fingerlings, the sale of fish feed, the distribution of fish farming equipment (above-ground tanks, pH meters, nets, scales, etc.), as well as practical and theoretical training in above-ground fish farming.

Entrepreneurs

AGRO-AQUACULTURE, founded in 2022 by Aguibou BARRY and Amadou Oury BARRY, is led by two young entrepreneurs who complement each other well.

• Aguibou BARRY, co-founder and principal manager, holds a bachelor's degree in public law and has over six years of experience in fish farming and geotechnics in Côte d'Ivoire and Mali. Formerly head of the fish farm at Koudjis Mali, he has solid expertise in hatchery development and fish farming training, as well as a sustainable strategic vision.
• Amadou Oury BARRY, co-founder and co-manager, has a degree in journalism and switched to fish farming in 2019. He brings his skills in administrative management, communication, and business development, supporting the internal structure and growth of the company through his network and commitment.

Partnership with I&P

AGRO-AQUACULTURE is supported by I&P Acceleration FARM. This partnership will enable the company to:

• Increase its production capacity by creating a semi-modern hatchery capable of producing between 20,000 and 25,000 fry every 75 days;
• Set up a fish feed production unit;
• Strengthen its financial and commercial management capabilities;
• Contribute to the promotion of the fish farming sector at the national level.