Marlène Kindji: founder and director of Badémè Natural Foods, Championing natural, nutritious and locally sourced foods in Benin

In the heart of Benin, Marlène Kindji is leading a transformation in how vegetables are preserved, valued, and consumed. As the Founder and Director of Badémè Natural Foods, Marlène has made it her mission to ensure that locally grown, perishable produce doesn’t go to waste but instead nourishes communities at home and across the diaspora.

Badémè Natural Foods, established in 2017, was born out of a personal and pressing need. Marlène watched her mother, a market gardener, struggle to sell all her fresh produce before it spoiled. Faced with the stark reality of post-harvest losses that plague many smallholder farmers in Benin, Marlène sought a solution that would preserve the nutritional value of vegetables while creating new economic opportunities. What began as small-scale processing in her kitchen has since grown into an agro-processing enterprise.

Today, Badémè Natural Foods specializes in the transformation of leafy greens, fruit vegetables, and aromatic plants into convenient, shelf-stable products. Through dehydration and artisanal processing techniques, the company produces a range of 100% natural, additive-free food items, from dried vegetables to locally inspired confectionery made with aromatic plants. Each product reflects a commitment to health, quality, and environmental sustainability.

“Our goal is to make vegetables easy to cook, easy to store, and accessible year-round not only in Benin, but also for our communities abroad,” Marlène explains.

But beyond business, Badémè is also about empowerment. Marlène works closely with local women and youth, providing training and opportunities in agro-processing and entrepreneurship. The company sources raw materials directly from farmers, creating a ripple effect that strengthens the entire value chain.

With a Master’s degree in Public Finance and Treasury Administration, Marlène Kindji entered the field of agri-food processing without formal training in the sector. Instead, she drew on a rich heritage passed down from her mother, who shared traditional recipes and processing techniques, and continues to support her today in the transformation journey at Badémè. Marlène later deepened her technical knowledge through various training programs offered by governmental and international institutions.

Passionate about nutrition and food sovereignty, she has emerged as an inspiring figure in Benin’s agrifood sector. Her innovative approach to adding value to perishable produce has earned her recognition from numerous entrepreneurship programs and regional networks.

In a market often flooded with imported and processed foods, Marlène is proving that local, natural solutions thrive. With Badémè Natural Foods, she’s showing how tradition, innovation, and community spirit can come together to nourish both people and the planet.

Marlène presented her company during the Innovation Session n°21, organised by PAFO and COLEAD, aimed at showcasing innovations and successes of African farmer-led businesses and small and medium enterprises. You can access Badèmè Natural Foods’ business profile.

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.