Startup Story
Filomena Matimbe is the founder and ceo of Finana, a Mozambican company specializing in Banana Flour processing and dry banana. She brings five years of experience in this business. Finana has won multiple awards including the world Gold Medal at the II World of Inventors and Innovators Forum, and also a SANBio award in Mozambique 2017. Banana flour is available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and pharmacies. It is also served as a snack in schools and in the largest hospital in the country.
LoA spoke to the passion driven Filomena Matimbe about her business, her innovative approach, and her ambitions for the future.
What does your company do?
Finana is a company that produces banana flour and dry banana.
“My company is the result of my master's thesis with the theme: "creating business through the processing of banana flour" which was inspired by the desire to find ways to extend the lifespan of bananas.”
What inspired you to start your company?
My company is the result of my master's thesis with the theme: "creating business through the processing of banana flour" which was inspired by the desire to find ways to extend the lifespan of bananas, which in my country, lead to large amounts of bananas rotting.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Banana flour as a high nutritional value is 100% natural, has no gluten, lactose, or sugar, which makes it better for those who are intolerant. It is also a good source of energy, vitamins, iron, and minerals that helps to increase immunity. Banana flour is easy to use and is a multi-use product, making it the best choice for school snacks. It provides a long satiation time which helps to reduce the drop-out rate of children at primary school in underserved areas.
Tell us a little about your team
My team is young and I am the oldest person in the group. The first team I had, it was my children who embraced the idea, and who wore the shirt as founders.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
The beginning of the business was unprecedented as many did not believe that banana flour could be a reality. Many people discouraged me, called me crazy because they thought banana powder was something no one would ever buy. It was an act of courage. Lending from banks is also another challenge.
“The beginning of the business was unprecedented as many did not believe that banana flour could be a reality.”
“Many people discouraged me, called me crazy because they thought banana powder was something no one would ever buy. It was an act of courage.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My future plan is to certify the product and export it abroad.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Knowing that my work gives good results. Sick people in hospitals are saved, children are happy at school feeding on this product.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Do what you like, have faith in what you want to do, have the courage to reject negative messages, have discipline and work hard.
Contact or follow
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL filomatimbe@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it…
At Lionesses of Africa, we love to be inspired by women entrepreneurs who have a dream to make a difference, to innovate, to push the boundaries of what can be done. Filomena Matimbe is one such entrepreneur, inspired to find a solution to the challenge of extending the lifespan of bananas, a high potential natural resource in her country. Today, she is creating new markets with a product that is making an impact from a nutritional and an environmental perspective. Inspirational! — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa