CONTANNA is the brainchild of Senegalese entrepreneur Ndèye Maty Sembène Fall. It is the first top-of-the-range tea house in Senegal, specialising in infusions and premium teas from local agriculture. Now backed by the Fonds Islamique de Relance (FIR), a subsidiary of the of the Senegal’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (FONSIS), it plans to expand its services and explore the international market. Ndèye Maty Sembène Fall is one of Senegal's most prominent entrepreneurs. In 2019, she had the vision to launch CONTANNA, the first upmarket tea house in Senegal, specialising in premium infusions and teas from local agriculture. Its strategy is based on working closely with farmers, particularly women, to process and add value to their produce. Determined to bring out the best in locally-grown products, Ndeye Maty Sembène Fall is a true ambassador for Made in Senegal. "Inspired by grandmother's recipes and the ancestral virtues of local plants, the brand sublimates the botanical riches of Senegal through exceptional infusions. It's a blend of authenticity and modernity. CONTANNA offers a unique range of teas and infusions, made from a refined blend of carefully selected local plants: hibiscus, kinkéliba, moringa, baobab, lemongrass... These ingredients, renowned for their natural benefits, are processed using traditional methods to preserve all their flavours and properties", explains Madame Sembène. According to her, each infusion tells a story —the story of African traditions passed down from generation to generation. A truly inclusive project, CONTANNA relies on a system of direct purchases from producers throughout Senegal, guaranteeing exemplary traceability and a sustainable economic impact. "By supporting local farmers, particularly women, CONTANNA is helping to structure agricultural sectors and promote African heritage", she adds. The brand's progress and ambitions have earned it international recognition. In 2022, CONTANNA won the prestigious AgriPitch from the African Development Bank (ADB). "It's a distinction that underlines our economic and social impact in the agro-industry," she says. Passionate about entrepreneurship, Ndeye Maty Sembène Fall has over eight years' experience in project management and fundraising, supporting the development of numerous initiatives with a strong economic and social impact. She has won several awards, including Women Deliver Young Leader (2018), Mandela Washington Fellow (2021) and ISOC Fellow (2017). Trilingual (French, English, Wolof) and a gender expert, she is also fluent in several other foreign languages, including German, Spanish and Portuguese. Growing with FONSIS The Islamic Recovery Fund (IRF), a partnership between FONSIS, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Senegalese government, recently invested FCFA 586.5 million in five Senegalese companies operating in strategic sectors. This investment is part of the policy to consolidate the fabric of Senegalese SMEs, by strengthening their resilience in the face of market changes. CONTANNA is one of the companies supported by this funding. For its founder, this investment will enable her company to accelerate its expansion and better structure its production chain. "It gives us the opportunity to raise the profile of our products, make them available throughout Senegal and help promote Senegalese expertise in wider markets," says Ndeye Maty Sembène Fall. The other advantage of the partnership with FONSIS, in her view, is that it enables her to realise her ambition to go international. "Today, thanks to FONSIS funding, I'm working on expanding CONTANNA'S INVESTMENT LETTER by opening specialist shops dedicated to teas and medicinal plants, as well as developing a chain of hot drinks and African-style bubble tea. My ambition is to modernise the local plant sector in Africa while preserving the authenticity and richness of our traditions", she says. Today, she has everything she needs to combine the tea trade with immersive experiences. "We are also aiming for large-scale development, with products available in Senegal and internationally.
CONTANNA's ambition is to expand its presence in Africa and beyond, with a model that combines the tea trade with immersive tea time experiences. The brand is also planning to open a boutique", concludes Ndeye Maty Sembène Fall, more determined than ever to promote Senegalese flavours around the world.
