- 08/04/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
Mrs Anna Seck, based in Senegal, embodies a remarkable journey of determination, resilience and commitment to excellence. Married and the mother of three, her academic career was interrupted by marriage and her first pregnancy in her final year of secondary school. A brilliant student, she was unable to pursue higher university studies – a regret that lingers as she still aspires to one day to resume an academic path, a symbol of personal achievement.
A non-linear journey, guided by willpower
After giving up on the idea of resuming her studies due to family commitments, Anna Seck turned to teaching in a private school, where she worked for six years before changing her career to IT. She then found her calling in the agri-food industry, joining a company as an executive assistant. She quickly exceeded the expectations of her role and took on responsibilities closely related to production management.
In 2010, while continuing to work as an Executive Assistant, she became actively involved with certification bodies. Her increasing involvement in quality management led her to play a key role in SEPAM’s GlobalG.A.P. certification in 2012 – a turning point in her career. Following the departure of the quality manager in 2015, she took over all documentation and led the certification renewal process. In the same year, she completed a COLEAD training course on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as part of the PIP programme. This module was a catalyst: she decided to devote herself entirely to quality.
Leadership and expertise
Appointed Quality Manager in 2015, Mrs Seck strengthened her expertise through numerous trainings with COLEAD and other partners in areas such as hygiene, food safety, risk analysis, self-monitoring, sustainable biodiversity management and good agricultural practices.
Under her leadership, SEPAM implemented key standards such as GRASP in 2017, Rainforest Alliance in 2019, and later SMETA and TESCO, thus increasing the company’s credibility in international markets. Her responsibilities gradually expanded, and she eventually became SEPAM’s QHSE Manager, also helping another branch of the company to become export ready.
An entrepreneur committed to sustainable development
In 2021, driven by her experience and vision for the future, Anna Seck founded her own company: St Esprit Import Export Service. This business aims to help local stakeholders adapt to the demands of the international market. She also plans to begin exporting fresh and processed products from Senegal to Europe, while further developing her skills in quality management and food safety.
A model of resilience and growth
Anna Seck’s journey is a powerful source of inspiration. It shows that with perseverance, a strong commitment to continuous learning and a desire to make a positive contribution to her professional environment, one can overcome obstacles, overcome challenges and transform an entire sector.
Her dream of one day obtaining a university degree, even though she is already recognised as an expert in her field, is emblematic of her philosophy: never stop learning and always move forward.
This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.
