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Lucian Nallo Mambu, CEO of Angelus Plantain Benni Mix (Baby Food)
Women-owned businesses are a vital part of the Sierra Leonean economy. Recognizing this, UNDP has consistently invested in such enterprises across the country. These businesses significantly contribute to local economic growth and create employment opportunities within their communities.
One such success story is Angelus Plantain Benni Mix (Baby Food), based in Bo and owned by Lucian Nallo Mambo. Lucian's baby food production business has been transforming the lives of young children and their families by providing nutritious, locally sourced food that promotes both health and local agriculture.
Over the past two years, Lucian's business has experienced remarkable growth, thanks to funding from UNDP’s Growth Accelerator Programme. "The enterprise now operates a factory equipped with essential production tools, packaging materials, a solar-powered energy system, and a computer and printer for documentation," Lucian shares. "Now I run a properly organized business," she adds.
Lucian's journey began when she developed and experimented with the Plantain Benny Mix for her own child, who is now a healthy 10-year-old daughter. At the time, she could no longer afford expensive imported baby food options available in the market. "I started this business because every child deserves access to healthy and nutritious food. When I first tried the baby food with my own child, I realized that I could create something that would benefit other families as well," Lucian explains.
Starting from her home, Lucian applied for support from UNDP Sierra Leone’s Growth Accelerator Programme in 2022. The programme provided her with technical training and capacity building for SMEs on business and financial management, business growth monitoring, tracking, grants, and business development.
Through this investment, Lucian has created jobs for other women and youth in her neighborhood and currently employs 12 full-time staff. "The UNDP investment grants have been a game-changer for my business. It has enabled me to expand, reach more customers, and create jobs for people in my community. With the new food outlets, we provide nutritious meals to more families, and the demand for our products has increased," Lucian notes with pride.
Lucian Nallo Mambu, CEO of Angelus Plantain Benni Mix (Baby Food) with the Resident Representative of UNDP Sierra Leone ,Fredrick Ampiah.
She is particularly excited about the growth of her business, with increased production and sales. "The increased production and sales will contribute to revenue generation and the prospects of more new investments to grow the business and support the local economy," she notes.
"This year, we have been contracted by World Vision Sierra Leone to produce almost three thousand packs of baby food. We could not have supplied the products without the expansion of our production setup," Lucian adds.
Lucian’s products are now registered with various ministries, departments, and agencies, including the country’s Standards Bureau. Beyond supplying her products to several districts, Lucian has embarked on aggressive market outreach, delivering the products nationwide.
Lucian’s story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the difference it can make when women are empowered to lead. With the backing of organizations like UNDP, she is not only providing for her family but also making a lasting difference in the lives of many others in Bo District and beyond.
Lucian Nallo Mambu, CEO of Angelus Plantain Benni Mix (Baby Food) interacting with the Chief Minister ,Dr David Sengeh at a event.
