AAMU Hosts Mandela Washington Fellows

Jelila Seho Blalogoe is the Regional Director of Holland GreenTech West Africa in Cotonou, Benin, where she drives horticultural innovation, leads regional strategy and partnerships, and empowers youth and women entrepreneurs in the sustainable vegetable value chain. A former country director for the same organization, Blalogoe also founded two startups: Biolife, which produces organic compost from pineapple waste, and Terre et Plume, which promotes healthy vegetable consumption through modern farming and storytelling.

“My work involves business development, capacity building, and the promotion of Dutch agricultural technology seed systems and quality in Benin,” she said.

Blalogoe was among the inaugural cohort of Mandela Washington Fellows participating in Alabama A&M University’s Leadership in Business Institute, part of the U.S. State Department’s flagship program for emerging African leaders, designed to strengthen leadership skills and expand professional networks.

“I applied for the fellowship to strengthen my leadership skills and deepen my knowledge in entrepreneurship and community engagement,” she said. “I saw the program as an opportunity to gain global perspective, connect with other changemakers, and find innovative ways to scale climate-smart agricultural solutions across Africa.”

The visit marked her first time in the United States – and in Alabama – and she described her experience on the Hill as transformative. “Alabama A&M has been incredibly welcoming. The resources, structure, and diversity of perspectives are impressive,” said Blalogoe. “The dedication of faculty and staff, and the emphasis on legacy, community service, and excellence at AAMU – that has impressed me most.”

Though she missed her children and the energy of working directly with farmers, the experience reaffirmed her long-term goal of transforming West Africa’s horticulture sector into one that is inclusive, sustainable, and youth-driven.

“Honestly, I wish the program lasted longer,” she said. “There’s so much to learn and so little time.”