We build climate-smart factories near farms in rural Africa so that local farmers can process crops and earn fair profits and impact investors can meet their investment goals.

We add value to local communities

Economic empowerment: By processing raw materials locally, Aspuna Group ensures that a larger portion of the value chain remains within the community, increasing local incomes and job opportunities
Sustainable development: This model supports sustainable economic growth by fostering local industry and reducing dependence on raw commodity exports
Market access: Local processing improves farmers' access to markets and increases their bargaining power

We offer impact investors a proven model

For impact investors interested in Africa and food commodities, Aspuna Group's model offers:

A chance to support sustainable agricultural development
Potential for both financial returns and positive social impact
Alignment with UN sustainable development goals of food security, climate action and clean energy in Africa

By investing in Aspuna Group's initiatives, impact investors can contribute to building resilient local economies and food systems in African countries while benefiting from the growing demand for gluten-free food products, bio-based materials and bio-fuel feedstocks that our plants process.

Today, we are headquartered in London, UK, and have projects spanning sub-Saharan Africa. Our origin story, however, begins in 2015 at the University of Cambridge, where our co-founders, Maria Yassin Jah and Dr Luis Prazeres, met.

Our origin story

Maria and Luis met on the Cambridge Judge Business School Executive MBA programme.

Sharing a vision of a more environmentally sustainable and ethical global commodities trading platform and the skills to move the market towards this, they set up Aspuna Group as a social enterprise.

Starting with a proof of concept project in The Gambia in 2015, Aspuna Group is now operational across sub-Saharan Africa with ambitions to further amplify our impact. This is reflected in our name, ‘Aspuna’, which combines the English word ‘Aspire’ with the Wolof word ‘Aduna,’ meaning ‘World’.

We intend to become the leading social impact commodities business with a global reach.

Who we are today

Today, our core team includes experienced executives with backgrounds in commodities trading, banking, engineering, market research/analysis, and commercial law. Our partners include governmental departments, NGOs, entrepreneurs, small-scale farmers, and local communities involved in our projects.

These projects are in Tanzania, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Namibia. You can learn more on our operations page.

We actively seek opportunities in other regions, too.

Find out more on our programme co-creation page.

Our vision

Our vision is a world where all globally traded commodities deliver maximum social, economic, and environmental returns to their communities of origin.

Beginning with agricultural commodities in sub-Saharan Africa, our mission is to add value locally and make international trading fair and sustainable.

Our promise

When you invest in Aspuna’s expertise, you get far more than a financial return. You get:

Social impact

Our investments create real, measurable social benefits for communities. By keeping value addition local, we ensure that local communities maximise potential profits and opportunities.

Guaranteed transparency and traceability

Our operations are designed for maximum transparency, allowing investors to see the direct impact of their contributions. This commitment to openness has gained enormous significance in recent years, reflecting the growing demand for ethical business practices.

To be part of Africa’s agri-tech growth story

Aspuna offers engineering solutions that enhance Africa’s agri-processing capabilities and trading solutions that connect sub-regional hubs to fast-growing international markets. This innovation strengthens Africa’s position in the global economy.

Our code of conduct

Aspuna’s code of conduct is deeply embedded in our company DNA, ensuring socio-economic returns alongside profits.

Here are the values and behaviours we commit to upholding in all our work

Equity

We build equitable partnerships with local communities based on trust and mutual respect.

Transparency and integrity

Our factory operations prioritise transparency and traceability, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and responsibility.

Commitment to excellence

Our values and business practices position us to deliver first-class client services and honour our business obligations.

Join us in making a difference

Aspuna is committed to co-creating a sustainable future for international trading. By investing with us, you are joining a movement that enriches lives, supports ethical supply chains, and delivers robust returns.

Partner with Aspuna today and co-create a fairer, more sustainable world.