Sakiratou Karimou M. is an agricultural economist with four years of experience in agricultural research, elaboration of research-based projects, and project evaluation. Sakiratou is the founder of Vert-Monde, a non-governmental organization in Benin that promotes environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy. She is the project coordinator of a renewable energy project that transforms agricultural residue into biogas and fertilizer, allowing rural girls to go to school rather than collect firewood. Sakiratou also founded S-Naturel, a social enterprise that recycles plastic waste into handbags, backpacks, shelves, and ecological and affordable houses. Sakiratou obtained her Master of Science in Agricultural Economics and her bachelor's degree in Rural Economics and Sociology through merit-based scholarships awarded by the government of Benin and the Economic Community of West African States. She received postgraduate training in Food Chains in Agriculture at the University of Weihenstephan-Triesdorf. Sakiratou hopes her participation in the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders will enhance her skills and impact in her community.