Malnutrition poses a significant threat to the well-being of Senegal’s citizens, particularly women and children. Despite some progress, the country is off track to meet its maternal, infant, and young child nutrition targets. This stark reality has driven Siny Samba to found Le Lionceau, a social enterprise revolutionising nutrition in Senegal.
The statistics are alarming. Some 52.7% of women aged 15-49 suffer from anaemia, while 18.5% of infants are born with low birth weight. Exclusive breastfeeding rates have improved, with 40.8% of infants aged 0-5 months exclusively breastfed. However, 17.9% of children under five still face stunting, and 8.1% suffer from wasting. (wasting is when a child is too thin for their height and results from recent rapid weight loss or the failure to gain weight.) Food insecurity and undernutrition worsen the problem, affecting 7.2% of the population.
Samba’s passion for improving nutrition and healthcare in Senegal drives her innovation. As a food processing engineering graduate from Montpellier SupAgro, France, she returned to Senegal in 2017, determined to make a difference. Her grandmother’s compassion and community service legacy inspired her to start Le Lionceau.
Le Lionceau tackles malnutrition with nutritious baby food products from 100% locally sourced ingredients. These products prioritise nutritional needs, champion African flavours, and empower communities. The company builds an inclusive food value chain by collaborating with smallholder farmers and women’s groups, providing economic opportunities and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Samba’s entrepreneurial journey is fueled by her desire to make a tangible impact. She enjoys seeing her locally sourced baby food support healthy growth and development, creating jobs, and empowering smallholder farmers.
The company’s innovative approach extends to reducing food waste and strengthening local value chains. By utilising indigenous “super-products” like Baobab fruit, moringa, and fonio, Le Lionceau creates products tailored to Senegalese palates.
Le Lionceau’s impact has been remarkable, improving the lives of countless children and families in Senegal. Over 110,000 children have benefited from nutritious food for healthy growth and development. The company’s partnership with 3,000 smallholder farmers ensures a stable income through consistent crop sales.
In addition to its economic impact, Le Lionceau has educated and empowered 1,500 women in nutrition and processing local crops. This initiative has helped bridge the nutrition gap, enabling mothers to make informed choices for their families. The company’s commitment to youth employment is also noteworthy, with 95% of its jobs created for young people.
As the business grows, its vision remains clear: to nourish millions of babies globally, starting with West Africa. Nonetheless, Siny Samba acknowledges the ongoing challenges. With Senegal importing up to 90% of its baby food, its vulnerability to food insecurity and economic shocks is a pressing concern. Thus, the food manufacturer plans to expand globally over the next three to five years, targeting vulnerable communities globally. It would leverage strategic partnerships with organisations and governments to provide more affordable and accessible locally sourced-baby food.
Her vision for a malnutrition-free Senegal remains unwavering. She is driven by her dedication to improving child nutrition and empowering local communities. With Le Lionceau, Siny Samaba has created a sustainable solution that resonates with Senegalese communities, fostering growth and prosperity for future generations.
