A visionary entrepreneur, she designs practical tools that connect African talent with relevant opportunities. Her work champions an Africa that leverages its own expertise for development.

Raodath Aminou (photo), a Beninese technology entrepreneur and strategy consultant specializing in private sector development, has launched Entourage, a startup established in 2024 to streamline access to African expertise. 

This digital platform compiles a roster of specialists across diverse fields on the continent. It provides professionals and entrepreneurs with the opportunity to schedule private video consultations with their chosen experts, gaining personalized advice to accelerate their careers, expand their businesses, or enhance their skill sets.

"Whether you're part of the African diaspora seeking promising remote opportunities, or a professional based in Africa aiming to fast-track your growth, Entourage is here to furnish you with high-caliber expert guidance, a robust network, and the essential support to achieve your objectives with confidence," the company's website states.

Prior to founding Entourage, Aminou co-founded OptiMiam in 2014, an application designed to combat food waste by linking consumers and retailers to sell surplus products before they expired. She served as CEO of OptiMiam until 2017.

Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in information systems management from the University of Dayton in the United States, earned in 2010. In 2011, she obtained an engineering degree in information systems management from the Institut Supérieur d'Électronique de Paris (ISEP). In 2014, she earned another engineering degree in innovation management and digital economy from the École Polytechnique in France.

Between 2017 and 2019, Aminou served as an ambassador for the French Tech Diversity program, an initiative focused on promoting social diversity within France's startup ecosystem. Concurrently, she held a position on the board of directors of the Invivo Foundation, an endowment fund dedicated to agricultural and food innovation. She also spearheaded entrepreneurship and innovation programs at Sèmè City, an innovation hub located in Benin.

Throughout her career, Aminou has garnered numerous accolades. In 2014, OptiMiam won the E-food competition organized by Vitagora and Premice, prominent players in France's agri-food innovation sector. She also received the Gold Palm of e-commerce, awarded by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In 2015, she won the Digital Service Award as well as the Special Consumer Award at the Food Distribution Innovation Forum. Additionally, she was awarded the PEPITE Prize by the French Ministry of Research and Higher Education.

By Melchior Koba,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji