FERME ECOVILLAGE, in partnership with Fastercapital, inaugurates an integrated collection and processing platform in Casamance.
Ferme Ecovillage (Ziguinchor, Casamance) launches an integrated collection, cold‑chain and processing hub for fisheries and fruit under FasterCapital’s EquityPilot program to reduce losses, create jobs and expand market access.
Ziguinchor, Senegal & Dubai, UAE — March 23, 2026
Casamance is a biologically rich region with high-value halieutic and fruit resources, yet producers face chronic post-harvest loss, weak aggregation and limited cold‑chain access. Rising urban demand in Senegal and the sub-region for safe, shelf-stable seafood and processed tropical fruit creates an opening for organized collection, transformation and export-ready value chains. The Ferme Ecovillage model addresses these market gaps while advancing employment, food security and climate-smart land use.
What the Startup Delivers?
Ferme Ecovillage is a community-centered development project led by Jean Diassy Diedhiou that consolidates: - Units for collection, cold storage, drying and smoking of fish and shellfish; - A semi-industrial fruit processing facility (nectars, concentrates, juices, preserves) with a planned 5,000–8,000 L/day capacity; - Pisciculture, oyster parks and mangrove restoration to improve resource sustainability; - Integrated logistics: collection vehicles, refrigerated trucks and on-site solar + generator power; - Social infrastructure and training to formalize village cells, increase producer income and create 250 permanent jobs (direct) and tens of thousands of indirect livelihoods.
Why Now?
Post-harvest losses and informal value chains suppress producer margins and limit exports. Investments in cold‑chain, processing and producer organization can immediately reduce losses, extend shelf life, and unlock higher-value domestic and regional markets. Concurrent interest from development partners in sustainable fisheries, reforestation and rural employment makes the timing strategic for coordinated impact.
Program Plan (first 30–60 days)
- Establish governance: formalize the project steering committee and Cellules de Coordination in priority villages; - Technical mobilization: site readiness in Ziguinchor, procurement kick-off for refrigeration, drying and processing equipment; - Producer engagement: initial training sessions and procurement contracts with local fishing and fruit-gathering groups; - Compliance and quality: begin food-safety roadmap to meet regional standards and preparation for export-grade packaging.
Leadership Comment
Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of Faster Capital, said: ‘We’re excited to support Ferme Ecovillage (Casamance) through EquityPilot. Our team will focus on execution milestones and connecting the startup with the right ecosystem stakeholders.’
Next 90 Days
Operationalize the Ziguinchor processing hub, commission the first cold-storage and ice-making systems, complete initial batches of processed fruit and smoked/salted fish for local market testing, and finalize partnership agreements with distribution channels in Dakar and the sub-region.
Founder background
Jean Diassy Diedhiou brings cross-border commercial experience between Senegal and Spain and a track record in transformation and logistics. His local networks in Casamance and experience in tourism and trade underpin the project’s community integration and market access plans.
Ecosystem relevance
The project aligns with regional priorities: sustainable fisheries management, mangrove restoration, value‑chain formalization and youth employment. It is positioned to attract technical partners for aquaculture, food safety certification and rural electrification.
About Ferme Ecovillage
Ferme Ecovillage is an integrated rural development initiative based in Ziguinchor, Casamance. The project combines fishery collection and processing, fruit transformation, pisciculture, reforestation and community services to increase rural incomes, reduce post‑harvest loss and promote sustainable land and coastal management.
About FasterCapital
FasterCapital is a global venture builder and online incubator dedicated to co-funding and co-founding innovative startups. Established in 2014, we are now #1 venture builder in terms of number of startups that we have helped, money invested and money raised. It supports startups worldwide through various programs, including funding assistance, business development, and technical support. The EquityPilot program is designed to help early-stage startups build scalable solutions with mentorship, strategic guidance, and network support.
Media Contact:
Lydia Zeng
Email: lydia.zeng@fastercapital.com
Phone: +1 (512) 400-0256
Website: https://www.fastercapital.com