Entrepreneurship is booming in Africa, and ESSEC alumni are playing a part. Reflets Mag #158 takes a look. You have free access to the article…sign up to read our upcoming issues! 

Sandia Nassila (IMHI 13), co-founder of Salù Iwadi Studio in Sengal and Nigeria

‘Based between Dakar and Lagos, our studio provides objects and experiences rooted in Africa but open to the world. We design limited-edition furniture, artistic installations and immersive spaces at the crossroads of design, architecture and research. Our work explores themes linked to our cultures, spiritualities and vernacular materials, as well as social issues. We want to change predominant perceptions of contemporary African identities by asserting a critical, sensitive and contextual approach, rooted in our histories, gestures and territories, through the prism of transmission, reconnection and celebration. Our business model is based on institutional markets, private company commissions, sales to private collectors, participation in international events (Design Week, biennials) and collaborations with galleries (Lyle in New York) and concept stores (Alara in Lagos).’ 

 Kevin Gormand (BBA 04), founder of Mubawab in Morocco and Tunisia

‘Over the course of 15 years, we have developed the leading property site in Morocco and Tunisia. In addition to the standard advertising model, we offer certain Moroccan property developers a turnkey solution including market studies, marketing & communication strategy and transaction management up to signature before the notary. We earn a ‘success fee’ paid by the developer once the transaction is complete. We’ve received a total investment of $20M since our creation. We are presently a profitable, growing company, and are seen as a reference in terms of property sector data in both countries.’ 

Luka Noudjinlodo (BBA 25) & Jeffrey Lawson (BBA 25), co-founders of Funni in Benin

‘Based in the north of Benin, we transform, via germination, fermentation and gentle roasting, forgotten cereals such as fonio, sorghum or millet, in partnership with around 700 women from rural cooperatives. We reconcile nutrition, African flavours and modern science for better, more meaningful eating. Our long-term goal is to build a sustainable sector around rare and functional ingredients for general consumers and chefs alike. 

Kenza Lahlou (M12), co-founder of Outlierz Ventures in Morocco

‘Our risk capital fund supports African start-ups at the pre-seed, seed and pre-series A stages in fintech, AI and the digitalisation of traditional sectors such as logistics, health, agriculture and energy efficiency. Our aim is to accompany the region’s future technology leaders. Since 2019, we have invested in 19 nuggets in Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria and Kenya, with successful exits including Paytic, which modernises payment back offices in Africa, North America and the Middle East from its centre in Morocco. We are now preparing to launch a second fund.’ 

Adeline Pelage (E15), co-founder of Madinina Foods in Cameroon

‘We draw inspiration from African and West Indian regions to revisit classic sweet treats, such as honey & lemon sponge cakes, sweet potato-flour biscuits and coconut cookies. Our natural products, free of preservatives, additives and artificial colouring, enable us to stand out in a market currently dominated by local low-cost brands and higher-quality imported brands. Our Bobo brand is available in a hundred points of sale across Cameroon, Senegal, the Ivory Coast and France, and has been awarded the Pierre Castel prize, the Quebec Regional Delegation in Africa prize, and the BJKD-NSIA Foundation prize in the Ivory Coast. The next step is to develop a second brand, Biwa, targeting small food stores and the informal stall circuit.’

Published in Reflets Magazine #158. Read the issue (in French) exceptionally in free access. Subscribe to read our upcoming issues! 

Interview by Louis Armengaud Wurmser (E10), Content Manager at ESSEC Alumni

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