Saturday Star News

Deyelin Gilles Bossa: Building a business from the ground up

Fenou Benin’s success lies in its mastery of cassava processing

Staff Reporter|Updated

In the bustling markets of Benin, gari and tapioca are more than just food. They’re daily staples, part of the rhythm of life. For Deyelin, they’re also the heart of his business, Fenou Benin. What started as a small cassava processing venture with just four people has steadily grown into a thriving enterprise, now employing more than fifteen staff members, most of whom are women. The growth was steady, but what stands out is how women became the backbone of the operation. “The women are deeply involved in processing,” Deyelin said, reflecting on how integral their role has become. What began as a small venture gradually expanded into a team that doesn’t just run the business. They shape it. 

What started as a small cassava processing venture with just four people, Deyelin Gilles Bossa has steadily grown his business into a thriving enterprise, now employing more than fifteen staff members, most of whom are women.

Image: Supplied

The core of Fenou Benin’s success lies in its mastery of cassava processing. Deyelin walks us through the meticulous steps: “After buying the cassava, we bring it to the site, wash it to remove the sand, peel it,

wash it again, grate it, then bag and press it to remove the juice. After sieving, we finally roast it to make gari.” While the gari process is already detailed and precise, Fenou Benin takes tapioca production a step further. They extract the starch from the cassava paste, dry it carefully, and then add special touches. “We mix in coconut water, sometimes orange juice, during the roasting. It gives the tapioca a unique flavour.”

Through mastering the basics, Deyelin found ways to innovate, introducing subtle variations that gave his tapioca a unique edge in the market. True innovation often comes from knowing your craft deeply enough to see where you can push the boundaries. 

Running Fenou Benin has taught Deyelin that managing people isn’t about quick fixes. “Team management is what holds everything together. If the management is flawed, everything falls apart,” he said. 

There were challenges, moments when tempers flared, when team members made mistakes, but he learnt to lead with patience. “You have to be patient. If you’re quick to get angry, you’ll keep reshuffling

the team and facing the same problems. It’s better to support people, fill the gaps, and help them grow.” he reflected.His approach has created a stable, committed team that grows with the company. Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about giving people the time and space to improve. 

Hiring at Fenou Benin has always been a deliberate process. Deyelin vividly remembers recruiting the company’s first employee, a hire that left a lasting impression. It wasn’t just her impressive sales skills that stood out, but her potential to contribute to Fenou Benin’s growth and culture. For Deyelin, it was never just about filling roles; it was about building a team that could help shape the company’s future. Of course, not every hire turned out as expected. Parting ways with some team members was one of the more difficult lessons along the journey. It served as a reminder that while a company can offer opportunity, it’s ultimately up to each individual to seize it. The right people don’t just support a company’s vision, they help define its trajectory. 

Fenou Benin extract the starch from the cassava paste, dry it carefully, and then add special touches.

Image: Supplied

From a tiny team to a growing enterprise, Fenou Benin’s story is one of steady, deliberate progress. Deyelin didn’t rush the process. He focused on building solid systems, nurturing his team, and perfecting his products. His journey shows that real growth isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about consistency, patience, and a deep understanding of your craft. Step by step, he built something that lasts; proof that starting small, with focus, can lead to something truly impactful.

In a nutshell, Deyelin’s journey with Fenou Benin is still unfolding. What started as a simple idea to process cassava has grown into a business that not only feeds communities but also creates jobs, empowers women, and champions local agriculture. As Fenou Benin continues to expand, Deyelin

remains grounded by the principles that got him this far: start small, stay patient, and always invest in people. For anyone dreaming of building something meaningful, his story is proof that with dedication and the right mindset, it’s possible to grow something truly impactful from humble beginnings.