Oumar Barou Togola

Africa is home to six of the world's fastest-growing economies. Highly nutritious grains and plant-based superfoods are abundant in sub-Saharan Africa but this is largely unknown, especially in North America where demand for these foods is strong. I aim to change this. My name is Oumar Barou Togola and I am the founder of Farafena Direct Trade in Vancouver, BC – a social enterprise promoting a healthy lifestyle and sustainability through direct and equitable business relationships with women farmers in Africa. ► A self-driven entrepreneur from Mali, my childhood experiences instilled an appreciation for sub-Saharan Africa’s rich resources and the need for conscious local development. I have a vision of community sustainability and empowerment for, in particular, the empowerment of women through the agricultural development of nutrient-dense African superfoods. My business background and strong family ties to Mali are instrumental in maintaining equitable, direct partnerships with farmers at the grassroots level and contribute to my effort to put Mali back on the map as the center of African trade. ► With my team at Farafena, I have taken our story and products across retail markets in Canada. In turn, we aim to change the perception of ‘AID’ in Africa to one of empowerment and self-reliance. Steps to achieve this include: ◆ Empowering women by providing tools for self-sustainability and the knowledge they seek to educate the next generation. ◆ Growing connections between African agricultural products and the North American market. ◆ Delivering the abundance of goods from Africa to every corner of the world. ◆ Promoting health and sustainability through our offerings of nutritious grains and produce, and an equitable exchange with local farmers. ►► If you are passionate about superfoods, women's development, social impact through agriculture or to learn more about my mission, get in touch: ◄◄ ✉ Email | [email protected] ✆ Phone | 1-888-746-6622 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬