Cheikh Bouleyad: Growing Golden Onions and a Stronger Future for Mauritania
Founder, Hassadi Agricultural Products | Kiffa, Mauritania
Born in Kiffa, Mauritania on 31 December 1995, Cheikh El Mehdi El Hassane Bouleyad saw a clear and urgent problem: his country was heavily dependent on food imports, producing just 15% of what it consumes.
“Due to the rising prices of vegetables in Mauritania and the low level of local production, according to a joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Mauritania is facing a looming food crisis, importing 85% of its food needs and producing only 15% locally. These factors motivated me to establish my company, Hassadi Agricultural Products.”
Cheikh founded Hassadi Agricultural Products with the aim of reducing dependency on imports, boosting local production, and creating sustainable agricultural jobs. But the path to success was far from easy.
“The biggest challenge that almost made me give up was the lack of funding in the early stages of my Hassadi project, especially with the high costs of agricultural equipment, seeds, and farm operation needs. I struggled to convince investors of the project’s viability in a market that relies 85% on imports. I overcame this challenge by seeking local partnerships and support from programs like Kosmos Innovation Center, in addition to restructuring my financial plan and focusing on producing the golden onions, which have proven successful in the market.”
Unlocking Growth Through the Kosmos Innovation Center Program
Through the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) program, Cheikh gained not just support, but the mindset and tools needed to grow his business.
“The most valuable lesson I learned through the Kosmos Innovation Center program is that success in agricultural entrepreneurship is not just about having a good idea, but about building a strong network of partners, practicing careful financial planning, and staying adaptable in the face of challenges. I also learned that collaborating with others and seeking advice from experts can save years of trial and error and that strong skills in team management and marketing are essential to grow and sustain a business.”
Since completing the program, Hassadi has grown significantly in both scale and professionalism.
“Since finishing, my company Hassadi has experienced significant growth in production and administrative organization. We have been able to expand the cultivation area of golden onions and improve product quality thanks to the techniques we learned in the program. We also built a wider network of relationships with suppliers and customers, which helped us increase our sales and expand distribution within Mauritania.”
One of the most symbolic milestones of Cheikh’s journey was being recognised at the highest level.
“The proudest moment in my entrepreneurial journey so far was when Hassadi Agricultural Products was able to present its agricultural products, especially the golden onions, to the President during an official event. This was a recognition of our efforts and a great empowerment for us as young farmers striving to develop the agricultural sector in Mauritania.”
Looking Ahead: Sustainability, Expansion, and Advice for the Next Generation
Hassadi’s growth is just beginning. The company is now preparing to expand beyond vegetables, incorporating livestock and modern technologies.
“Our upcoming plans involve expanding Hassadi’s activities to include more sustainable agricultural products, such as improving livestock breeding techniques and developing sheep fattening projects. We also plan to use modern technology in agriculture to increase productivity and reduce costs. Additionally, we aim to enter new local and international markets to strengthen the position of our products.”
Cheikh is committed to sharing his journey and encouraging others to follow their entrepreneurial paths.
“The first piece of advice I give to young entrepreneurs is to believe in their idea and be patient, because success doesn’t happen overnight; it requires continuous work and learning from mistakes.”
“The second piece of advice is the importance of building a strong network and mutual support with others, as collaboration and seeking advice can open doors and opportunities that are not available to an individual alone.”
He continues to share updates on Hassadi Agricultural Products via social media, encouraging others to follow along and support their mission.
“People can follow and support our work through the social media channels of Hassadi Agricultural Products, where we regularly post updates about our products and agricultural projects. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram through our official pages, as well as contact us via email and phone.”
Finally, Cheikh shares his gratitude and encouragement:
“I would like to thank the Kosmos Innovation Center program team for the tremendous support they have provided us. I encourage all young people to believe in their dreams and work hard to achieve them. Entrepreneurship is not easy, but it is worth every effort to build a better future for our communities and our country.”