Ismène AHAMIDE ZOUNMENOU is an accomplished Beninese entrepreneur whose career embodies resilience, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable development and women’s empowerment. Born in June 1980, she quickly distinguished herself with her ambition and ability to transform challenges into opportunities.

Holding a degree in business management, with a specialization in renewable energy, she first earned her stripes within large international companies in the telecommunications, construction, and energy sectors. Building on this experience, she chose to pursue social entrepreneurship in 2010, creating the NGO DESTIN EN MAIN, an initiative dedicated to empowering low-income single mothers.

Driven by a long-term vision, Ismène then founded several companies, including ISMAST TRADING SARL, specializing in the processing of tropical fruits, ISMAST TRADING SELF, active in distribution and telecom services, and above all ISMAST ENERGY SARL in 2016, which would become one of the symbols of her commitment to equitable access to renewable energy in Benin.

Through ISMAST ENERGY, she develops solar engineering, energy efficiency, and maintenance solutions, while training more than 90 women in solar energy careers and more than 2,000 young girls in entrepreneurship. Her work thus contributes to an inclusive energy transition and the emergence of strong female leadership in a sector that is still very male-dominated.