Impact story From mango kernels to cosmetics: Senegalese entrepreneurs spur sustainable development

June 28, 2024, will be remembered as a landmark day for Baconding, in the Goudomp department, a village at the heart of Senegal where tradition meets innovation. Here, T&M Sarl, a visionary enterprise led by the inspiring couple Tina and Moulaye, officially launched a new processing line that converts mango kernels into mango butter for the cosmetic industry. This initiative marks a turning point for the Sédhiou region, transforming agricultural waste into a valuable resource, while promoting women's employment in a high-value-added industry. 

The opening ceremony was a festive event, gathering the local community, religious and administrative authorities from the department, the Canadian Ambassador, the Regional Director, and the National Directors of MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, highlighting the significance of the project not only for Baconding but for the entire Senegal. The presence of Ms. Marie-Geneviève Mounier, the Canadian Ambassador to Senegal, underscored the strategic importance of this event for bilateral relations and for the sustainable development goals promoted by Canada. 

The AVENIR project, funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by MEDA in collaboration with the Alliance, has been crucial in achieving this ambition. Thanks to a matching grant from AVENIR's Smart Incentive, T&M was able to acquire cutting-edge equipment, enabling efficient and eco-friendly transformation of mango kernels. This advanced technology significantly reduces post-harvest losses, a major challenge for mango producers in the region, and increases the profitability of their farms. 

Tina and Moulaye are more than entrepreneurs; they are visionaries who saw the hidden potential in the natural resources of their native region of Sédhiou. After completing their studies in France, the couple decided to return to Senegal, driven by the desire to contribute to the economic development of their community. Their decision to return and invest in their country is a powerful counter-narrative to the trend of emigration among young African talents. 

By founding T&M Sarl in 2019, the couple focused on exploiting mangoes, an abundant but underutilized resource in the region. Their business started modestly but with great ambition. The couple quickly understood that the impact of their work could extend beyond simple agricultural production. By choosing to transform mango kernels into butter, Tina and Moulaye created a value chain that benefits the entire community, especially women. 

The company currently employs over 15 women's cooperatives with more than 500 small-scale female farmers. By doubling the number of female collaborators, Tina and Moulaye demonstrate their commitment to women's empowerment. These jobs are not just livelihoods; they are also vehicles for social change, offering women opportunities for economic independence and leadership in their communities. 

Tina and Moulaye's journey is also a powerful example of the positive impact of returning skills and capital to emerging economies. They show that with courage, innovation, and a commitment to the community, it is possible to turn challenges into opportunities. Their story inspires not only young Senegalese but also policymakers, entrepreneurs, and international investors. 

Launched in 2019, the AVENIR project embodies an exemplary partnership between MEDA, the Alliance, and the Government of Canada, aiming to catalyze sustainable economic development in the Sédhiou and Tambacounda regions. The ambitious goal is to improve the resilience and socio-economic well-being of 11,500 women and youth, integrating climate-smart agricultural practices and strengthening local and regional trade links. 

At the heart of this project lies a clear vision: to transform agricultural systems to be more inclusive, resilient, and profitable. AVENIR does not just provide funding; it also offers technical assistance and promotes innovations that can be adopted on a larger scale. By encouraging and supporting businesses like T&M Sarl, AVENIR helps create sustainable business models that can be replicated and adapted in other similar contexts. 

The economic impact of the project is tangible. Beneficiary businesses, like T&M, not only receive financial aid but also ongoing support to optimize their operations, increase their productivity, and access new markets. This translates into a significant increase in revenue for local farmers and improves food security. Additionally, by focusing on enhancing local products, AVENIR contributes to reducing costly imports and boosting the local economy. 

The social impact of the AVENIR project is also profound. By emphasizing the empowerment of women and youth, the project helps break cycles of poverty and promote gender equality in regions where economic and social disparities are often marked. Women, in particular, gain access to employment and training opportunities previously unavailable to them, enabling them to become key players in the development of their communities. 

Lastly, AVENIR is a model of sustainable development because it seeks not only to address immediate economic problems but to instill structural changes. The project encourages the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices that improve natural resource management, reduce environmental impacts, and strengthen climate resilience. These practices, once established, ensure that the benefits of the project will continue well beyond its official duration. 

The vision of T&M Sarl to use local resources in an innovative and sustainable manner has resonated well within the Baconding community and beyond. By transforming mango kernels into mango butter, a highly sought-after product in the cosmetics market, the company not only enhances the added value of its products but also significantly reduces agricultural waste. 

This circular economic approach is particularly relevant for regions like Casamance, where post-harvest losses can have a devastating impact on the incomes of farmers. By exploiting rotten mangoes that fall from trees due to the sting of whiteflies, T&M minimizes these losses and maximizes the economic potential of local production. This strategy has a multiplier effect on the local economy, creating jobs, increasing farmers' incomes, and stimulating related businesses. 

The AVENIR project played a crucial role in achieving this transformation. Through its support, T&M was able to invest in state-of-the-art equipment and technologies that enhance production efficiency and the quality of finished products. This not only strengthens the company's competitiveness in the international market but also establishes a quality standard that other regional businesses now aspire to reach. 

Beyond economic benefits, T&M's initiative has significant social ramifications. By creating 301 new decent jobs by 2027, with a particular focus on female employment, the company actively contributes to women's empowerment in a region where economic opportunities for them are limited. These jobs enable women not only to earn an income but also to increase their influence in the community, thus promoting gender equality and social development. 

The participation of international and local leaders at the opening ceremony underscores the project's importance to the community and the commitment of various stakeholders to sustainable development. The involvement of the Canadian ambassador, local authorities, and community leaders highlights the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration to successfully implement such projects. 

In summary, the initiative of T&M Sarl, supported by the AVENIR project and its partners, is a shining example of how innovation, community engagement, and international support can come together to transform challenges into opportunities. With these continued efforts, T&M's vision for a more prosperous and sustainable future for Baconding is well on its way to becoming a tangible reality, inspiring other regions and industries to follow their lead.