Results

Joost van Opijnen went to Ethiopia to support Fajji

About the organisation
Fajji Temperate Foods is a agricultural company in Ethiopia, which produces temperate fruits (like peer and apples) Those fruits have high national- and international market potential. Their vision is to improve agricultural production techniques and thereby improve food security for farmers who live in mid altitude areasin Ethiopia.

The business case
Fajji could use some advice on the out-growers model: producer and trader working with independent farmers. In spite of the lack of knowledge about temperate fruit productions, this business case was just right for Joost van Opijnen He has experience and knowlegde in business management.

As Joost explains: "Social entrepreneur Mr Abiye Astatke is so passionate about his fruits, that I felt he was the expert in that area anyway."

Results

Analysis
Joost went to Ethiopia and started by really listening to what the manager and the people of Fajji had to say. Also he did a financial analysis. Major conclusions He came to the conclusion that the company had to take 2 steps back and organize the company very well. This will make it possible to raise funds from third parties. The financial analysis led to the conclusion that there are profit driven and social driven activities at Fajji.

Advice
Because of the division in profit and non-profit activities it is recommended to make three companies out of one. Also to find potential investors will be a future goal. The expert already made some contacts with Dutch Embassy to do so and they were quiet interested.

Concrete deliverables

A business report on how to build the new business

Impact on the partners

Joost van Opijnen: "I realize that myself and everyone around me in the Netherlands is spoilt. Also, I have learned to listen first, then share, then grow" Mr Abiye Astatke: "I have learned how to do a financial analysis and also how my business is built up"

Follow up

This is a start of a two-year partnership between SharePeople and Fajji Temperate Foods. Both organisations will keep in touch (a.o. via the SharePeople liaison, at least every 3 months), and with the expert as well. After this Programme, an official update on the status of the organisation takes place every 12 months. With this information, a new Programme is one of the possibilities to boost the organisation if needed. Participation in a yearly SharePeople Experience Week is also an option.