Jeanne, Baker in Togo
In 2017, I joined Assilassimé, and an initial loan enabled me to set up my business. Today, my business has grown, and I have also provided free training in baking to others. Today, they have made it their profession.
My name is Jeanne Tossou, I am 48 years old and I am a baker in Lomé. Originally from Benin, I followed my husband to Togo for his work. As the eldest of 17 children in a polygamous family, I never went to school.
At age 13, I learned baking by being placed with a family of bakers. At age 28, I opened my own bakery, but without the right equipment, it was difficult to run the business.
Grow my business with credit
I started with my own savings, then in 2017, I joined Assilassimé Solidarité. My first loan of 80,000 CFA francs (€122) enabled me to structure my business.
Today, with a loan of 3.5 million CFA francs (€5,336), my business has grown: a bakery offering a variety of breads, charcoal sales, and a general food store. I have also provided free training in baking, and today, those I trained have made it their profession.
A tangible impact on my family
My income has gone from 25,000 CFA francs (€38) to 500,000 CFA francs (€76) per month. I can send my six children to school, like my eldest daughter (21), who is training to be a chef. I didn’t have the chance to go to school, but I am proud to have given my children this opportunity. I also helped build our house.
Going even further
With the increase in the price of flour, profitability is more difficult, but I continue to move forward. My goal is to open a second bakery and continue to train others. Thanks to Assilassimé Solidarité, I have been able to grow my business and secure my family’s future.
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