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"It’s actually a funny story!" Martial begins when asked how his culinary journey started.

In 2016, Martial moved from the eastern parts of the Central African Republic to Bangui, the capital, in search of work. He took a job as a cleaner with the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA. One day, while cleaning, a UN staff member asked him where she could buy fresh fruit. Martial didn’t just point her in the right direction—he offered to buy, clean, cut, and deliver the fruit himself as extra work. What started as one order quickly grew as more staff began requesting fruit deliveries.

Soon, Martial expanded into making fresh fruit juices and salads. However, creating salads wasn’t part of Central African food culture, and Martial had no prior experience. Instead of letting that stop him, he embraced the challenge. His clients saw his potential and taught him everything—from grilling eggplant to cooking quinoa (foods he had never even heard of!) to crafting dressings and pairing vegetables.

Within months, he was making enough to turn food preparation into a full-time job. The UN staff member who first requested fruit deliveries offered him her kitchen to use. This gesture was transformative for Martial, who lived in a Bangui neighborhood without running water or electricity. Commuting to the city center was difficult, and having access to a fully equipped kitchen changed everything. Martial resigned from his cleaning job and officially started his food service business.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Martial’s budding business faced an existential threat. With lockdowns restricting access to his workspace, he was forced to pause operations. That’s when he turned to Ndara."During the pandemic, I had nowhere to cook. After a brief period where friends let me use their kitchen, they had to leave the country. That’s when I turned to Charlotte, the founder of Ndara, who didn’t hesitate to help. She built me a beautiful kitchen, and for that, I will always be grateful."

For Martial, this kitchen was more than a space—it was a lifeline. Ndara became the thread that wove hope back into his life, giving him the stability to rebuild and grow his business. Fast forward three years and Martial’s company is not only a source of pride but also a lifeline for his family and community."My company allows me to support my family and community, and it’s a source of great pride. But what I am most proud of is raising the funds to drill a well in my neighborhood. This well now supplies drinking water to over 1,200 homes. Drinking water should be a human right, but here in the Central African Republic, it’s not. Most people wait for hours just to buy 20 liters of water—barely enough for cooking, drinking, cleaning, and washing for an entire family."

Martial credits Ndara for not only providing him with a workspace but also for reshaping his perspective. "At Ndara, I’ve learned discipline, structure, and attention to detail. Working alongside Ndara has helped me improve my company. Most importantly, they’ve shown me the value of my own culture. Before Ndara, I tried to cook Western food to meet demand, but Ndara taught me that sharing my culture through local dishes is far more meaningful. Now, I find ways to teach my customers about my heritage through food.”

Through hard work and ambition, Martial’s business has become renowned. But for Martial, it’s about more than just food - it’s about connection and community.

"Ndara has shown me that hope isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you build. Whether it’s through a kitchen, a well, or a simple meal, hope is woven into every act of service, every dish, and every shared moment."

Martial’s journey is a story of perseverance, generosity, and the belief that small acts can create lasting change. His salads and brunches are not just meals - they are threads of hope, binding together his dreams, his culture, and his community.