Client Spotlight: Youssoupha Samb

This week I had the pleasure of meeting with Youssoupha Samb to discuss his business. This was not the first time I had met Youssou so I already knew of his outgoing and charismatic personality. Passionate for transportation our conversations ranged from local agriculture to the problems with large scale transportation operations in Senegal.

Youssou has completed his first loan with Zidisha and is currently seeking his second loan with us. He works full time with the SEM Fund, an American NGO in Dakar, as a manager of logistics and will be continuing his studies commencing in this January in business. The SEM Fund and Zidisha have a close history in Dakar as the SEM Fund was our first local field partner. Youssou remembers these days nostalgically: "I was the one that cut the checks for other Zidisha entrepreneurs!"

As he encountered Zidisha at his place of work, Youssou decided to try his hand at starting his own business. A friend taught him urban agricultural techniques, Youssou started his own garden at home lettuce which he sold to local restaurants. During the months from July to mid-October Senegal is plagued with heavy rains, destroying local livestock and vegetation. Unfortunately lasts years rain was extremely heavy, causing Youssou to lose most of his produce. He was thankful he had his job at SEM Fund so he could pay-off his loan.

Even though his first project did not work out, Youssou was not discouraged. He and another family member are commencing another project. Sweet, tropical juices are popular with the Senegalese but most made locally contain a lot of sugar. Overconsumption is creating a rise in diabetes in Senegal. Youssou sees this as an opportunity to create a healthier alternative. He has been pressing juices at home, and with recommendations and critiques by family members and friends he has created several recipes that contain less sugar. Overstocking his family refrigerator, his family does not have adequate space to store food. He is applying for a second loan to help purchase his own refrigerator and finish up the labeling on his products.

I had a pleasant visit with Youssou this week and I can't wait to see the progress of his business!