News

Mame Diene : What's New?

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Date:

Jul 1, 2011

Chapô:

Karistal produces and distributes cosmetic products made from natural ingredients such as shea butter, mango butter and baobab oil to Senegalese and international markets.

Since winning, Mame has been focusing on the international expansion of her business. Earlier this year, she established a joint-venture with an American partner to sell her products in the United States. She is also discussing with French, Japanese and Canadian companies. With the recognition gained from the Awards, she was interviewed both on print media and TV, national and international. This led to her meeting with several important ministers of her country (Minister of Social Affairs and Women Entrepreneurs; Minister of Trade; Minister of Industry and Small and Medium-sized Companies).

One of Mame’s major projects is the construction of her own factory in Kédougou. “Having my own factory is very important. I need to produce in-house if I want to control the supply chain and guarantee the quality of my ingredients.” The prize money of US$ 20,000 was there- fore invested to that end. A partnership with the Makeda Fund and talks with two other investors will also serve to develop this factory. In addition, Mame has launched a new product made of 100% baobab oil. “The baobab is priced very high and its market is hugely promising.” Mame was nominated for the Best Female Manager of the Year Award by the Confederation of Senegalese Employers (MDES).