From Field to Global Market: The Pioneering Journey of Yolélé West Africa

In a world where global brands grapple with the challenge of maintaining market share amidst the rise of startups attracting a new generation of health-conscious and socially responsible shoppers, Haskè Ventures and Yolélé Foods Inc. have embarked on a pioneering journey.

Together, we have established Yolélé West Africa, a joint venture aimed at revolutionizing the food industry through the integration of the supply chain for ancient African ingredients. This venture not only addresses the growing demand for wholesome, nutritious foods but also seeks to bolster climate-resilient agriculture and economic development across the continent.

Yolélé, known as the premier company for African foods, has been at the forefront of promoting African foodways. It supports sustainable agriculture practices that are resilient to climate change, thereby driving economic growth.

The formation of Yolélé West Africa by Haskè Ventures SAS (Senegal) and Yolélé Foods Inc (USA) is a strategic move to tap into the rich biodiversity of traditional African foods, starting with the supergrain fonio.

The venture comes at a critical time when the global food industry is facing pressure on two fronts: market and supply side. Consumers are increasingly seeking foods that are not only nutritious and simple in ingredient composition but also contribute positively to the world.

Concurrently, Africa’s small farms, which form the backbone of its economies, face numerous challenges such as a development focus on unsuitable crops, and fragmented value chains.

These issues have led to persistent poverty and environmental degradation, further exacerbated by climate change.

Yolélé West Africa’s approach to solving these problems is comprehensive and innovative. By establishing an integrated value chain that…

• supports farmers with inputs, equipment, and training;
• introduces industrial scale agri-processing to increase efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses, thereby reducing costs;
• and promotes commercialization through awareness and product development…

…the venture aims to provide dignified livelihoods for small-scale farmers and introduce under-utilized African ancient ingredients to global markets. Fonio, with its remarkable qualities such as being gluten-free, low glycemic, and drought-tolerant, serves as the flagship ingredient for this ambitious project.

This venture is not just about business growth; it’s a testament to the potential of African agriculture to meet global nutrition standards and regulatory demands for positive impact.

With a roadmap that includes expanding sourcing infrastructure, optimizing processing solutions, and securing a critical mass of offtake, Yolélé West Africa is poised to increase local consumption, build export markets, and ultimately contribute to nearly all the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The partnership between Haskè Ventures and Yolélé Foods Inc., joined together with Sustainable African Foods in Mali, stands as a shining example of sustainable development in Africa.

By tapping into the underexplored potential of ancient grains such as fonio, Yolélé West Africa epitomizes the core principles of African Foods with Purpose, charting a course towards a future where food serves to not only nourish but also to support the well-being of both people and the planet.

The visionary leadership team behind Yolélé West Africa brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for transforming the agricultural landscape in Africa.

Chef Pierre Thiam , a celebrated chef and advocate for African cuisines, brings culinary expertise and a global platform to promote African foods.

Philip Teverow extensive background in developing and marketing natural food brands in the US market ensures that Yolélé’s products meet the highest standards of quality and appeal to international customers.

Simballa Sylla ’s experience in agricultural sourcing and processing in Mali is crucial for building a sustainable supply chain.

Abdourahmane Diop ’s?15+ years of experience as a financial auditor, strategy consultant, investment specialist, and venture builder adds organizational strength to an entrepreneurial enterprise.

Madji Sock ’s strategic acumen guides the venture’s growth and alignment with Africa’s broader economic goals.

N. Fanta Ndiaye oversees Yolélé West Africa’s day-to-day business, managing supplier and customer’s relationship and helping in securing funding through private investments, grants, and other means. As a trusted member of the team, she steers operational efficiency, ensuring financial health through budgeting, reporting, and compliance.

Together, our combined expertise and commitment set a solid foundation for Yolélé West Africa’s mission to make traditional, climate-resilient, smallholder-grown African foods become global staples, contributing significantly to sustainable development and food security on the continent.

In our mission to revolutionize the food industry and support sustainable agriculture, we have engaged with several prestigious institutions, including USAID , IFC - International Finance Corporation , Green Climate Fund , Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation , World Food Program , and United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) . These collaborations are pivotal in leveraging global resources and expertise to address the challenges of climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and economic development. By aligning our goals with the strategic objectives of these institutions, Yolélé West Africa strengthens its capability to make a significant impact on both local and global scales.