Before founding Dabakh Agro Production, Diop held a range of roles across agriculture—from technician to farm manager. “These experiences gave me a complete view of the production chain, from design to marketing,” he says. “I developed strong skills in team and project management.” Despite this he always felt as if he could do more.
“I wanted to go further,” he explains. “Being my own boss means making strategic decisions, building a business on my own terms, and fully expressing my potential.”
All of this led to the launch of Dabakh Agro Production in October 2024. It’s a new agricultural business based in Saint-Louis, Senegal. The company is dedicated to producing high-quality fruits and vegetables using methods that are good for both people and the planet.
“Our approach is based on the use of biopesticides and homemade compost,” says Diop. “This ensures healthy and flavourful produce that respects the environment and the health of our consumers.”
The company carefully selects seeds and plant varieties that are best suited to the local climate and valued for their taste and nutritional content. From planting to harvest, every step of production is guided by the principles of hygiene, safety, and sustainability.
“We’re committed to growing fresh, tasty, nutrient-rich food,” he explains. “We don’t use chemical fertilisers or synthetic pesticides—only natural solutions that support both the soil and the people who eat our food.”
LinkedIn Leads To Kosmos Innovation Center
When he knew that starting his own business was the direction he wanted to go in, he looked around for programs that could help him make a start. Diop first learned about the Kosmos Innovation Center through a LinkedIn post. “What made it particularly interesting for me is that their programme supports young entrepreneurs and promotes innovation in agriculture. It matched my vision for Dabakh Agro Production perfectly.”
Once accepted into the KIC programme, Diop quickly realised it offered more than he expected. “The excellence of the training was a real shock to me,” he says. “The quality of the speakers, the relevance of the content, and the way it was delivered—it was all outstanding.”
He especially appreciated the close, personal support from the KIC team throughout the Door and Sama Projet Sama Xalat phases. “I want to highlight Anna, the coordinator,” he says. “Her professionalism, empathy, and dedication really made a difference. She helped guide us through every step of the programme.”
Challenges For The Year Ahead
As Dabakh Agro Production grows, Diop is clear about the challenges that lie ahead.
1. Improving irrigation and site security
“Right now, the quality of our borehole water is limiting our crop yields,” he says. “We urgently need to build a water storage basin so we can use seawater for irrigation every three days.” He also wants to build on-site accommodation to improve security and maintain a constant presence at the production area.
2. Expanding production and crop variety
“To serve more clients and expand our market share, we need to grow our production area and offer more crop varieties,” he says. “That means securing additional funding for land and equipment.”
3. Developing and marketing agroecological products
“Biopesticides and compost are the heart of our sustainable model,” he explains. “We want to start producing and selling these to other farmers and organisations in the region.”Play
While Diop has his challenges set out for the coming growing seasons, he is still pleased that he took the plunge and started his own business. He has some stern advice for those who are considering whether they should become their own boss.
“My advice is simple: take the opportunity seriously,” he says. “Programs like Kosmos Innovation Center are not just funding competitions, they are a real school of entrepreneurship. You’ll learn how to structure your project, write a solid business plan, and communicate your ideas effectively,” he says. “But even more than that, it’s a human experience. You’ll meet people who share your passion, and you’ll be supported by a team that really cares.”