Seynabou Dieng Traoré (Mali)

Seynabou Dieng Traoré (Mali)

(Founder and CEO of Maya)

www.maya-mali.com 

Seynabou Dieng Traoré, a dynamic entrepreneur from Mali, has made it her mission to revolutionize the local food industry. With a strong educational foundation in economics from the Sorbonne University in Paris and a master's degree in strategy and international management from the École Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (ESSEC), Seynabou returned to her homeland in 2015 with a burning desire to contribute to the development of her country.

Seynabou's journey into entrepreneurship began after a decade of living in France and working in various marketing roles. Upon her return to Mali, she was struck by the prevalence of imported food products, which overshadowed the abundance of locally grown goods. Determined to make a difference, she founded Maya, a pioneering food processing company that harnesses the potential of local agricultural products. Since its inception in 2017, Maya has processed an impressive 78 tons of vegetables and cereals, sourced directly from farmer associations.

Beyond the numbers, Seynabou's vision for Maya extends far beyond the confines of her processing unit. Through her business, she has empowered and trained 250 farmers, transforming them into potential partners who can supply high-quality produce. By creating a market for their goods, Seynabou has instilled confidence in these farmers, enabling them to invest more in their production and support their families. This boosts local agriculture and has the potential to significantly contribute to Mali's GDP.

Maya's impact is not limited to Mali alone. The company has expanded its reach to neighboring Senegal, spreading its locally sourced and processed food ethos. Through Maya, Seynabou has become a champion of cultural preservation, connecting people to their heritage through the food they consume. Her dedication to promoting local cuisine and supporting small-scale farmers is revitalizing the culinary landscape and addressing poverty and youth unemployment in the region.

Seynabou's outstanding achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, she was honored as one of the winners of the prestigious "Young Francophone Entrepreneur" Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to entrepreneurship and her commitment to empowering women and young people in Africa. Her success story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and a deep-rooted connection to one's community.

As Maya continues to flourish, Seynabou remains committed to her vision of creating a sustainable and inclusive food ecosystem. With a dedicated team of dynamic young individuals, she instills values of resilience, flexibility, and autonomy, fostering a corporate culture that drives positive change. Seynabou's entrepreneurial journey serves as a testament to the profound impact that can be achieved by aligning business success with social and economic development.

Looking to the future, Seynabou envisions expanding Maya's market reach to larger West African countries like Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria. To achieve this, she plans to build a state-of-the-art factory and collaborate with industry experts to ensure the highest quality standards. Seynabou's ultimate satisfaction lies in the growth and well-being of her team, witnessing their personal and financial growth as they contribute to the success of Maya, a business that started in a humble kitchen just four years ago.

With her unwavering dedication, Seynabou Dieng Traoré has transformed the local food industry in Mali and become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship, and her commitment to supporting local communities and preserving cultural heritage serves as a blueprint for sustainable economic development. Seynabou's impact will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy for generations to come as she continues to empower women and young people.

(Information from The Sisters Show, Quartz, Organisation Internationale De La Francophonie, Agribusiness TV, Lionesses of Africa, Cartier Women's Initiative)