DESEC-OO: Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Cameroon with Support from OVO and Crédit Sud

At OVO we believe in supporting entrepreneurs who combine economic development with a positive impact on people and the environment. A great example of this is DESEC-OO, a Cameroonian company that transforms plant-based waste into valuable products such as ecological charcoal and organic fertilizers.
 

From ambition to realization

DESEC-OO was founded in 2018 by Filip Maenhout and has since made impressive progress. What began as a small-scale project has grown into a full-fledged enterprise contributing to sustainable energy production and job creation in the region.

Thanks to an initial loan of €10,000 from OVO in 2021 DESEC-OO was able to invest in essential production equipment, including a pyrolysis oven, an industrial charcoal press, and a mixing installation. These resources enabled them to produce their first tons of ecological charcoal.

In the following years, the company continued to expand but also faced challenges such as seasonal difficulties during the rainy season, rising raw material prices, and limited production space.
 

Social loan facilitated by Crédit Sud as a Gamechanger

A next crucial milestone was reached when DESEC-OO via the OVO-network came in touch with Crédit Sud and received a social loan for the construction of a fourth oven. This oven, set to be operational by June 2025, will double production capacity and allow the company to better meet the growing demand for ecological charcoal.

Additionally, DESEC-OO is working on:

• More efficient drying techniques for charcoal, reducing dependence on weather conditions.
• New storage facilities for raw materials to prevent shortages during the rainy season.
• Product innovation, such as the production of biochar, a soil enhancer that improves infertile land and retains water more effectively.

Impact in Numbers:

• Youth Employment: The number of employees has increased from 4 in 2021 to 8 in 2024, with an expectation of 10 in 2025.
• Inclusion: DESEC-OO employs 3 female workers.
• Waste Reduction: In 2024, 310 tons of waste were processed into usable products.

Future Outlook: Continuing to Build Sustainability

Despite the challenges, DESEC-OO remains ambitious. By the end of 2026, the company plans to build a fifth oven and explore ways to transport charcoal powder to northern Cameroon, where it can be agglomerated and dried under favorable climatic conditions.
 

The Role of OVO: More Than Just Financing

For DESEC-OO, the collaboration with OVO meant much more than just financial support. The company not only gained access to credit but also received coaching and a valuable network.

"The initial phase was difficult, but thanks to OVO’s support and the connection with Crédit Sud, we were able to keep growing. The coaching was incredibly valuable." testimony of Filip Maenhout

Why This Case is Inspiring for Other Entrepreneurs

The story of DESEC-OO demonstrates how social investments and partnerships can lead to sustainable entrepreneurship with impact. It proves that economic growth can go hand in hand with ecological and social progress.

Would you like to contribute to projects like this as an entrepreneur? Discover how your expertise, network, or investment can make a difference through OVO!