CAA & fonio
Founded in 2018 from a bold vision, CAA aims to actively contribute to food self-sufficiency and economic development in Senegal. Our journey began with fonio, an ancient African cereal, and a commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
From our humble beginnings, we have grown in strength and reputation, not only as leading fonio producers but also as innovators in agribusiness. Our expertise has led to revolutionary fonio processing techniques that have reshaped the sector. We have evolved from processors to pioneers of agricultural projects in Senegal and Mali, with a singular goal: to make a positive social impact within local communities
Our company is committed to promoting social and environmental development, as well as food sovereignty in Senegal through the production, processing, and local consumption of fonio. We recognize fonio as a sustainable solution for soil drought due to its resilience and ability to thrive in harsh climatic conditions. By producing and processing fonio locally, we help stimulate the local economy, reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation, and preserve the freshness and quality of the products. We strive to create equitable economic opportunities for local communities, especially farmers and workers involved in the fonio supply chain, to enhance their autonomy and food security. We also seek to preserve and protect the environment by adopting agricultural practices that respect biodiversity, promote the conservation of natural resources, and reduce our ecological footprint. By collaborating with local stakeholders, civil society organizations, and governmental authorities, we aim to contribute positively to the well-being of the population, the preservation of our ecosystem, and the achievement of food sovereignty for future generations.
Laura Layousse
Highlights
2018 : Creation of CAA
The Compagnie Africaine Agroalimentaire (CAA), established in 2018, is the result of a partnership between two friends: Patrick Layousse, co-founder of the Minoterie du Sénégal, and Malick Diedhiou of Terra Ingredients. Initially, CAA was responsible for sourcing and processing fonio, while Terra Ingredients handled its sales in the American market.
2019 : Industrial trials
After our initial exports, CAA SARL dedicated three years to research and development. This intensive process led to an industrial innovation that radically transformed our fonio processing.
2022 : Laura Layousse
In 2022, Laura Layousse joined the CAA team and assumed the role of Managing Director of the company. Leveraging her expertise in branding, she took charge of the fonio project, developing sales and production.
2023 : Extension
In 2023, CAA began significantly increasing its production capacity with a facility capable of producing over 3 tons of fonio per shift. We anticipate that CAA will produce 1% of the world’s fonio by the end of 2024.
2024 : Launch of Findi
In March 2024, CAA launched its pre-cooked fonio brand, Findi, to introduce the secrets of this ancient grain to a wider audience and revolutionize meals with fonio.
Our mission
Our mission, through our innovative approach to fonio processing, is to transform this ancient and resilient crop into a catalyst for economic and ecological progress. By cultivating and processing fonio locally, we boost the economy, reduce carbon emissions, and preserve the exceptional quality of our products. We are committed to creating fair opportunities for farmers and all those involved in our supply chain, thereby enhancing their autonomy and food security.