LCM Social Enterprise Stories Maimouna-KANTÉ

From now on I will also be posting stories about African Diaspora - and Local Social Entrepeneurs!

This Story is about Maïmouna Kanté- Quentrec and her social enterprise KANTÉ

Maïmouna is originally from Guinea but lives in France. She founded KANTÉ IN 2020 and has been doing very well! She promoted KANTÉ  tea at trade fairs, museums, concept stores and specialist boutiques. In 2024 more and more people noticed her special and tasteful tea and she got more recognition by being listed at Galleries As Lafayette and BHV Marais (Paris) and department stores. Just a few weeks ago she launched a new tea collection called Queen of Africa

I was impressed and wanted to learn more about Maïmouna and her tea so asked her to tell her story:

1. Why did you start your tea brand?

I launched my tea journey in 2016 with a brand called Comptoir des Thés Rares, driven by pure passion. This passion started in my childhood in Guinea, where tea was more than a drink—it was a daily ritual, a moment of sharing and community through the Ataya ceremony.When I moved to France, I discovered other tea cultures and deepened my knowledge through reading and tasting.

I wanted to share that passion and educate others, especially in hospitality, where tea is often served without understanding its depth. As my vision grew, so did my brand.

In 2019, I shifted to focus entirely on African teas and herbal infusions. Why? Because people kept asking: “Why would an African woman talk about Asian teas?” That simple question led me to my truth—and in 2020, KANTHÉ was born: a brand celebrating the rich, overlooked tea heritage of Africa.

2. How do you work together with local producers and make the project successful?

Working closely with local producers is at the heart of KANTHÉ. It allows me to ensure consistent quality, but also to build real, long-term partnerships based on respect, transparency, and fair pricing.I collaborate with cooperatives and plantations across several African countries—including Rwanda and Malawi, where some estates have existed for generations. What matters to me is not only the quality of the tea, but also the people and values behind it. Most of my partners have strong environmental and social practices. In many cooperatives, men and women work independently, and I’m proud to support these local economies through ethical sourcing and direct relationships.

3. What is your aim for the coming year—or future goal?

My goal is to continue growing Maison KANTHÉ and establish it as the leading African tea and infusion house in France and across Europe. Africa is the third largest tea-producing continent in the world, yet this is still widely unknown. The continent offers the full spectrum white, green, black, oolong and a singular wealth of botanical and aromatic plants.

Through our brand, I want to shine a light on African tea terroirs and bring them to the global stage. 

With our new range of biodegradable tea bags, my ambition is to make African teas accessible everywhere—on flights to the continent, in luxury hotels across Africa, and in premium retail spots in France and Europe.I want people to enjoy high-quality African teas effortlessly, without compromising on taste or values. KANTHÉ is more than a brand—it’s a mission to elevate Africa’s place in the world of tea.

You can find more about Maïmouna and KANTHÉ on www.kanthe.paris