Tata Joel Ayoung

Tata Joel Ayoung: Pioneering Health and Innovation with Integrity Oils

Tata Joel Ayoung, a 24-years-old serial entrepreneur and Junior Parliamentarian(in 2015) from the North West Region of Cameroon originally from Ku Bome-Mbengwi, has emerged as a shining example in the young African entrepreneurial landscape. Among his many ventures, Integrity Oils stands out as a revolutionary startup addressing significant health concerns in Cameroon through the production of 100% natural cooking oil from groundnuts.

Joel's journey into entrepreneurship began at a young age, selling candies and fruits to classmates in primary school and working in sand mines while in Secondary school. His passion for business was further inspired by renowned business moguls. This early interest laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial pursuits.

The inception of Integrity Oils was triggered by a personal incident that showcased Joel's resourcefulness and vision. Returning home from school one day, he found there was no cooking oil at home, prompting his mother to demonstrate how to extract oil from groundnuts—a skill she had learned as a young girl. This experience sparked a brilliant business idea for Joel.

Recognizing a critical health issue in Cameroon—where over 80% of cooking oil consumed is refined palm oil not suitable for patients suffering from cholesterol related diseases like hypertension, heart attack and diabetes—Joel founded Integrity Oils. His startup is dedicated to producing and distributing cholesterol-free, natural cooking oil made from groundnuts. Integrity Oils not only offers a healthier alternative but also provides significant nutritional benefits, including high levels of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps reduce overall cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease, making it suitable for diabetic patients.

Despite operating on a small scale, Joel's dedication and innovative approach have enabled Integrity Oils to produce over 300 liters of natural cooking oil, positively impacting over 200 families. This local success story is a testament to his commitment to improving public health and promoting sustainable business practices in Cameroon.

Joel's entrepreneurial talent and the potential of Integrity Oils were recognized at various prestigious platforms. At the ANC Start-up Accelerator, his startup stood out among 34 participants, earning second place and a prize of 300,000 francs. This recognition was a significant milestone, encouraging him to aim higher.

Further elevating Integrity Oils' profile, Joel led his team to participate in the Hult Prize, a global entrepreneurship competition in collaboration with the Bill Clinton Foundation. Competing against over 5,000 startups worldwide, Integrity Oils emerged as one of the top three startups in Africa and reached the semifinals in Boston, Massachusetts. Although they did not win the grand prize, Joel's innovative solution garnered nationwide admiration and opened doors to further opportunities.

The success of Integrity Oils and Joel's entrepreneurial journey caught the attention of national media and government officials. He was invited to share his story on the National Television Station of Cameroon, CRTV, and his startup was featured in major newspapers such as The Guardian Post and Cameroon Tribune. Even the Prime Minister of Cameroon acknowledged his contributions during his graduation ceremony from the ICT University.

Joel's impact extends beyond his own ventures. His performance in the Hult Prize led to his selection as an expert evaluator, assessing over 84 startups across over 10 Countries including U.S.A, India, Bangladesh, and Palestine. This role allowed him to share his expertise and support other entrepreneurs, reinforcing his belief in the power of shared knowledge and collaboration.

In addition to his business achievements, Joel is deeply committed to youth empowerment and education. He Founded YOLETO (Youths, Leaders of Today) at his university, a platform that aims to change the negative narrative ofAfrica by raising a moral army of Change makers . YOLETO has impacted over 600 young Cameroonians, providing them with the tools and inspiration to lead purposeful lives.

Joel's story is one of resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of positive change. Through Integrity Oils, he is not only addressing a critical health issue but also setting a powerful example for young entrepreneurs across Africa. His journey underscores the transformative potential of entrepreneurship in tackling societal challenges and creating a better future for all. 

Joel is also a very talented Saxophonist commonly known as Joel Sax. He has performed in several events including him playing the U.S and the Cameroon National Anthem at Palais De Congres Yaounde in the presence of Several Ministers including the prime Minister.
Tata Joel Ayoung is indeed a force to be reckoned with, and his contributions are an undeniable asset to the future of Africa.