The pioneers of african agriculture
If one key area must be developed for the emergence of the African continent, it is indeed agriculture. In this light, numerous visionary African women, driven by boundless faith and perseverance, are contributing relentlessly to the growth of this crucial sector. They are implementing innovative solutions to promote agriculture and agribusiness in Africa, at a time when the continent faces multiple food crises. In conjunction with the celebration of International Women's Day, let's shed light on some of these champions, thus illustrating the dynamism of African women leaders in agriculture, addressing the various challenges associated with it: food security, economic growth, digitization, innovation, and transformation, among others.
By Charlotte Libog, founder and president of Afrique Grenier du Monde
Bibiane MOTTO, agricultural entrepreneur and promoter of SIALY
Thirteen years ago, Bibiane MOTTO initiated the creation of the International Agriculture Exhibition of Yaoundé (SIALY). Today, this exhibition is in its eighth edition and has become a genuine national and international platform for exchanges and sharing among stakeholders from Cameroon and Central Africa. In addition to her involvement in this sector, she collaborates with numerous organizations to promote youth employment by fostering agricultural entrepreneurship through her « Learn by Doing » method, thus offering practical on-the-field training to women and youth.
SIALY also aims to encourage both quantitative and qualitative production. To this end, the action carried out by SIALY under Bibiane’s coordination is done in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Chamber of Agriculture, various related ministries, rural cooperatives, and many other key private sector partners.
Halatou DEM, leading Céréales de TATAM
Since 2010, Halatou DEM has been leading Céréales de TATAM SARL and serving as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Board of Directors of the West African Cereal Network (Réseau Ouest Africain des Céréaliers). Additionally, she is the President of the Fonio Processors of Bamako COOP-CA « FINI YIRIWATON » and, since September 2022, the Vice-President of the Fonio Interprofessional of Mali.
After earning her finance degree from the International School of Management in Morocco in 2008, Halatou chose to return to her country to put her knowledge and skills at the service of the family business « DANAYA Céréales, » founded by her mother Aissata Thiam DEM in 1992, later becoming « LES CEREALES DE TATAM SARL. » This family business specializes in the processing and marketing of local cereals in Mali.
Since its inception, Halatou has modernized the company’s operations, notably overseeing the relocation of the production unit to an industrial zone with the support of USAID in 2015. Her entrepreneurial leadership at Danaya has earned her technical and financial support from several international organizations such as PAM-GAIN, UN Women, and USAID. In 2018, she was honored with the Best Entrepreneur Award by B & T Communication – Events.
Deeply committed to environmental protection, Halatou participates in numerous workshops and exhibitions on agroecology. Ranked among the « 50 most influential people in Mali » by the Journal du Mali in 2018, she continues to work towards improving the productivity of Céréales de TATAM, while promoting the employment of women and youth.
Djemila BILEOMA, agricultural entrepreneur
Djémila BILEOMA is the CEO of La Fée Tahira. « I have created a range of alternative flours used for millennia in Africa under the Safida’s brand. I own an online grocery capsule that offers the best agri-food products from Africa. »
« I am a connoisseur of good taste. I have always been passionate about culinary art. At the same time, I am deeply attached to my African values. To marry these two worlds, to propose products for well-being, to revalue them, and to adapt them to any environment… that is the foundation of our Safida’s brand. With it, we propose a new concept: connecting recipes to their culture. »
After fifteen years in major financial companies, with an MBA in audit and management control and a degree in hospitality and restaurant management (Vatel), I try to use all the rigor of my professions to realize my dream. Our motto at Safidas is to introduce you to Africa in a different way… Creating synergies around what the world knows best: food and people. We help you work together to create your own empires.
Gladice Matchitic Fopa, agricultural and food engineer
During her studies, she specialized in food technology and acquired a solid understanding of food processing methods. Gladice is the co-founder of the start-up AGRP-FOOD FM, which enhances agricultural production, improves yields, and trains sector players. In a constantly evolving world of food innovation, food engineers play a crucial role in creating innovative products that meet consumer demands.
She is involved in the creation and improvement of food products such as tuber flours for baking and a plant-based alternative to meat made from soybeans. In addition to her work on tuber flours, Gladice has developed a tasty and healthy alternative for consumers. By combining her knowledge of food processing, she has succeeded in creating a product that mimics the texture and taste of meat.
Charlotte Libog
With a postgraduate degree in E-business, entrepreneur, and committed activist, Charlotte Libog founded the Afrique Grenier du Monde platform in 2013, with the aim of promoting agricultural investment in sub-Saharan Africa and thereby contributing effectively and sustainably to the real emergence of African agriculture.
Under her coordination, the Think & Do Tank Afrique Grenier du Monde is engaged in genuine advocacy for the valorization of the enormous agricultural and agri-food potential in Africa. The goal is also to work towards the revitalization of African agriculture through the promotion of public and private investment across the entire agricultural value chain: production, logistics, marketing, processing, ancillary services… To achieve this, the platform has implemented various instruments as part of its operational framework called ISAP: Inform – Sensitize – Support – Advocate for African agriculture capable of feeding the continent and then the world.
Charlotte Libog has an excellent understanding of the agricultural and agro-food sector in Africa, and her expertise is recognized by numerous governments and major organizations such as NEPAD, UNCTAD, PAFO, etc. She is also the founder of a structure specializing in the marketing of Moringa.
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