ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, 12 June 2019 – The contest organized by the Louis Dreyfus Foundation in partnership with the IECD allows 4 entrepreneurs from the Ivorian agri-food sector to receive a total of 24 million CFA francs (€37,000) in aid designed to develop their business. Firstly, the finalists defended their project in front of a jury comprising representatives from the agri-food sector in Ivory Coast, such as the Louis Dreyfus Foundation, the Carrefour group, the microfinance bank Advans, and the National Chamber of Agriculture of Ivory Coast. Then 4 winners were selected from among 17 other innovative local projects that boost their region’s agri-food economic sector.

The 4 winning companies specialize in the production of honey, Tiassalé pepper, Attiéké (traditional Ivorian dish), and in food processing. According to the IECD delegate in Ivory Coast, Patrick Sekongo, the winners benefit from 6 months of support in the management and development of their activity. Ultimately, these projects will enable the creation of at least 20 jobs and will provide support for more than 200 local farmers and beekeepers.

Mrs Odette Kassi, the Director of KAO specializing in the production of peanut butter and spices is the winner of the Louis Dreyfus Commodities prize. Odette decided to embark on the project to process surplus food products after noticing unsold vegetables rotting at markets.

In 2018, during her search to improve her skills, she discussed her needs with an entrepreneur who had taken part in the TRANSFORM operation. The training and support provided by Transform allowed her to improve the management of her activity and produce in accordance with agri-food regulations. “My greatest pride is having been able to strengthen certain markets and develop others”, she explains. Today, she has to invest in new equipment in order to meet demand: the Dreyfus Foundation’s funding will allow her to buy a mill, a bagging machine, a roaster, and packaging for the sale of her products.