A youth agripreneur’s journey from Benin to the global market

13 August 2025

Rose-Marie Mingninou, a determined agricultural sciences’ graduate, was never destined for a traditional career. She had a passion for agribusiness and a clear vision: to innovate, create, and make tangible impact in her community.

Her journey began with humble ambitions, selling imported goods to save money for her dream business. The pivotal moment came when she joined the ENABLE-TAAT program at IITA-Benin. This transformative experience provided her with more than just training; it gave her the practical incubation, technical guidance, and vital resources needed to turn her vision into reality.

With this support, Rose-Marie founded Orchie’s Business, a company that transforms local fruits into fresh, natural juices. Her innovative recipes, which feature locally sourced baobab and pineapple, not only create healthy and refreshing beverages but also celebrate Benin’s rich agricultural heritage.

The path to success was not without its hurdles. Her first production run resulted in significant losses, a setback that could have easily derailed her ambitions. However, Rose-Marie’s resilience shone through. She refined her business strategy, improved her processes, and pressed on with renewed determination.

Today, Rose-Marie is steadily working to establish a thriving agro-processing industry. Her goal is to become a key player in the import and export of value-added agricultural products from Benin to the global market, showcasing the quality and innovation of African agripreneurs.

Rose-Marie’s story is a testament to the power of the ENABLE-TAAT program and its mission to train, support, and empower a new generation of African youth to lead agricultural transformation across the continent. Her success highlights the immense potential of young agripreneurs to build robust and resilient food systems.

Contributed by Welissa Mulei