About Christelle
Christelle Fihounde is an agronomist who graduated from the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, specialising in plant production at the University of Abomey Calavi. With a deep passion for the agri-food sector, Christelle is dedicated to promoting the value of local products. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is an environmental activist, contributing her efforts to organisations like JVE: Young Environmental Volunteers. Christelle’s commitment to both agriculture and environmental causes reflects her drive to make a positive impact on her community and beyond.
Transition into Entrepreneurship
Driven by her passion for conducting her own experiments in the agri-food sector and her desire to attain independence, and be responsible, Christelle embarked on her journey into entrepreneurship. With a background in agronomy and a fervent commitment to promoting local products, she saw an opportunity to create her own path in the industry. This allowed her to apply her knowledge and skills to developing innovative solutions that add value to local agricultural products.
Business Profile
Sweet Potato tackles many challenges in Benin’s food landscape. The business addresses issues such as the underutilization of sweet potatoes, exacerbated by the Russo-Ukrainian crisis leading to overdependence on expensive wheat-based products, and the prevalent challenges of malnutrition and food security. The venture aims to make a meaningful impact through innovative processing techniques. The company transforms sweet potatoes into a range of consumer products, including flour, biscuits, and chips. This not only adds value to sweet potatoes but also offers a local alternative to costly imported wheat-based products. With a focus on addressing nutritional needs and enhancing food security, the company’s initiative represents a significant step towards creating sustainable solutions for Benin’s agricultural sector.
