LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Symfonio bv, a pioneering force in organic African food production and distribution, empowering over 2,000 women cooperatives in Burkina Faso
Solange Domaye, a Chad-born entrepreneur based in the Netherlands, is dedicated to fostering sustainable trade between Africa and Europe. With 16+ years of entrepreneurial experience, she runs afric-eu.com, promoting economic development through trade and diplomacy. She also serves as the Honorary Consul of Chad to the Netherlands. In 2021, Solange founded Symfonio bv, focusing on organic African food production and distribution. She collaborates with 2000+ women in Burkina Faso, scaling fonio production from 10 to 500MT in just two years. Solange is a champion of sustainable trade, diplomacy, and women's empowerment, leaving a significant mark in international business and economic development.
Lioness Weekender spoke to the inspirational Solange Domaye about her mission and vision for her business, and her growth plans for the future
What does your company do?
Symfonio is a pioneering force in the realm of organic African food production and distribution. Established in 2021, our mission is rooted in the principles of sustainability, empowerment, and global connectivity.
Collaborating closely with over 2,000 women cooperatives in Burkina Faso, Symfonio empowers local communities to cultivate and distribute organic fonio, a nutrient-rich grain that embodies the essence of African cuisine. In just two years, we have achieved remarkable growth, scaling our fonio production from 10 metric tons to an impressive 500 metric tons.
Our commitment extends beyond numbers; it's about creating livelihoods for smallholder farmers and rural women, fostering economic ties, and promoting the essence of African cuisine worldwide. As Symfonio, we are dedicated to promoting healthy, sustainable, and culturally significant food products that make a positive impact on people and the planet.
What inspired you to start your company?
At Symfonio, our journey was inspired by a deep-rooted passion for sustainable food production and a desire to bridge the gap between Africa and the rest of the world. I saw an opportunity to empower local communities in Burkina Faso, particularly women cooperatives, by harnessing the potential of organic fonio, a nutritious grain deeply rooted in the Sahelian culture where I came from.
I was motivated by the belief that food can be a catalyst for positive change, not only in terms of health but also in the economic empowerment of marginalized communities. I wanted to create a company that could make a meaningful impact, not just in terms of business success, but in the lives of those we work with.
The desire to promote sustainable agriculture, support women's empowerment, and foster economic ties between continents inspired me to establish Symfonio. We are driven by the belief that organic African food products have the potential to nourish the world while uplifting the communities that produce them.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
What sets Symfonio apart and makes our business special is our unwavering commitment to sustainability, empowerment, and cultural enrichment.
Sustainable Agriculture: Symfonio is dedicated to organic African food production. We take pride in our sustainable farming practices that not only produce high-quality organic fonio but also respect the environment. By prioritizing sustainability, we contribute to a healthier planet.
Empowerment: Our collaboration with over 2,000 women cooperatives in Burkina Faso is at the core of our mission. We empower these communities by providing opportunities for economic growth, ensuring fair and equitable partnerships, and supporting women's roles in agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Cultural Enrichment: Symfonio celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Africa through its products. Our organic fonio, deeply ingrained in African cuisine, allows people worldwide to experience the authentic flavours and traditions of the continent.
Global Impact: While we embrace African roots, our vision is global. Symfonio creates economic bridges between Africa and the world, fostering trade and cultural understanding. Our fonio reaches international markets, currently it's sold at all organic supermarket in The Netherlands and in Europe, making an impact on a global scale.
Tell us a little about your team:
Symfonio is proud to have a dedicated and diverse team that extends beyond our core internal staff. Our team includes external professional support members who play crucial roles in different aspects of our business. Here's a brief overview of our extended team:
Quality Control Experts: Ensuring the highest standards of quality in our organic fonio production is paramount at Symfonio. We collaborate with external quality control professionals who bring their expertise to monitor and maintain the quality of our products, ensuring they meet the highest standards.
Board of Advisors: Symfonio benefits from the guidance and insights of a distinguished Board of Advisors. These individuals, with their wealth of experience and knowledge in various fields, provide strategic counsel and help steer our company in the right direction.
Public Relations Specialists: Building strong relationships with our stakeholders and the wider public is essential for Symfonio. Our team of public relations professionals assists in managing our external communications, spreading awareness about our mission and products, and fostering positive connections with our audience.
Our external professional support team complements our internal expertise, allowing us to operate efficiently and effectively in our mission to promote sustainable, organic African food production and distribution. Together, we work harmoniously to make a meaningful impact on both local communities and the global marketplace.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey started in 2007 when I embarked on the path of entrepreneurship by founding my first company. Prior to that, I had been working within the confines of a corporate setting, employed by a major American industrial company based in the Netherlands. While my initial experiences in the corporate world were marked by enthusiasm and a desire to contribute, I soon realized that the corporate environment of the time did not align with my inclusive mindset. It became evident that if I were to truly unleash my full potential, I needed to create my own space—a space where I could set the rules and fully utilize my abilities.
With this vision in mind, I took the bold step of establishing my own company, essentially creating my own table where I could shape the direction of my career and make a meaningful impact. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, a journey characterized by determination, innovation, and a commitment to bringing positive change to the African business landscape.
In 2021, I embarked on a new chapter by founding Symfonio. This venture was driven by my profound passion for promoting African economic development and sustainability. While I may not come from a traditional entrepreneurial background, I can proudly say that I was raised in an environment where the spirit of entrepreneurship thrived. The women in my life—my mother, aunts, and sisters—were constantly engaged in various informal entrepreneurial endeavors, ranging from street food vending to selling clothes, shoes, and handbags. Their resilience and resourcefulness served as a valuable foundation upon which I built my own entrepreneurial journey.
In essence, my entrepreneurial path was a conscious choice to break free from conventional constraints, guided by the strong influence of the entrepreneurial spirit that surrounded me throughout my life. It is this background and perspective that drive my commitment to fostering sustainable trade, empowerment, and economic growth, particularly in the African context, through Symfonio.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My future plans and aspirations for Symfonio are deeply rooted in our mission to reshape the narrative around African food production and agriculture. Building on the rich heritage of African crops like fonio, which have stood the test of time, we are committed to highlighting their immense benefits to the world, people, and the planet itself.
My vision is to create a new narrative that celebrates the nutritional and environmental virtues of African crops. I aim to accomplish this by developing brands and recipes that resonate with consumers worldwide. From wholesome breakfast cereals to convenient ready-to-eat lunch and dinner options, I envision "Solange's African Cuisine" (www.solange.bio) becoming a global household name.
By promoting these delicious and nutritious African food products, I seek to foster a deeper appreciation for the flavors and traditions of the continent. In doing so, I hope to enhance global awareness of the sustainability and positive impact of African agriculture.
My journey ahead is one of continued growth, innovation, and global expansion. I aspire to touch the lives of more communities, empower more women, and contribute to the economic development of African nations. Ultimately, my future plans revolve around creating a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future for all, one meal at a time.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
As an entrepreneur, what gives me the most satisfaction is witnessing the transformation of the lives of rural women. Every time I return to the villages to visit the farmers we work with, it's an emotional experience that brings tears to my eyes. I see tangible evidence that their lives have taken a significant step towards improvement.
It fills my heart with joy to see how proudly they guide me through their villages, sharing stories of how the production of fonio has empowered them. Whether it's building their own homes, purchasing a bicycle, or sending their children to school, these tangible changes are my most profound reward.
The ability to make a difference in the lives of those who are often overlooked, unheard, and underserved is what drives me as an entrepreneur. It's about reaching the unreachable, shining a light on the unseen, and contributing to a new narrative about African food and agriculture. This mission energizes me and gives me a compelling reason to continue thriving as an entrepreneur, knowing that our work creates positive, lasting impact and change in the world.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
My most significant piece of advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs is to take action promptly when you believe you have a solution to a problem. Don't wait for the perfect timing or the perfect approach because there is no such thing as perfection; it evolves as you progress. Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint, so focus on maintaining your energy and determination to persevere through tough times.
Embrace imperfection and understand that challenges are an inherent part of the entrepreneurial journey. Instead of being deterred by obstacles, view them as opportunities for growth and learning.
Believe in the impact you can make and be audacious in your goals. Remember that one person's vision and dedication can have a profound influence on the world. Your potential to effect change is limitless.
Recognize your worth and the significance of your ideas. Your actions have the power to shape the future, and your entrepreneurial journey can lead to fulfillment beyond measure.
Ultimately, the key is to do the work. Success is not solely about having ideas; it's about putting in consistent, dedicated effort to bring your entrepreneurial vision to life. Stay committed to your dreams and work tirelessly to make them a reality.
To find out more, contact Solange via email: solange@symfonio.bio or visit her website and social media platforms:
Website: http://www.symfonio.bio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/symfonio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/symfonio.bio/
