When most people think of career pivots, they imagine small shifts, perhaps from marketing to sales or finance to consulting. But for Mamaga Abui Buiekpor II, Queen of the Anlo Kingdom, also known as Confidence Haugen, her entrepreneurial journey took a dramatic turn – from running successful hospitality businesses to revolutionizing pig farming in Ghana.
A Leap into Agriculture
Confidence didn’t just stumble into farming; she inherited a legacy. Her mother was a farmer, and after years as a key figure in the hospitality industry and the Accra nightlife industry as well as a memorable appearance on Big Brother Africa Season 6, Confidence was enstooled as Mamaga Buiekpor II of the Anlo Kingdom, and this served as a catalyst that drove her to follow in her mother’s footsteps and to impact on her community, but with a visionary and unlikely twist.
In 2023, she launched Royal Baobab Farms, a modern, sustainable pig farming operation that defies stereotypes and challenges conventional agricultural practices.
Not Your Average Farm
Royal Baobab Farms isn’t just about raising pigs; it’s about redefining what farming looks like in a climate-conscious world. The farm operates entirely off-grid, powered by solar energy that runs everything from water pumps to cooling systems, ensuring the pigs remain healthy even in Ghana’s heat.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Instead of discarding pig manure as waste, Royal Baobab Farms converts it into biogas for energy and organic fertilizer, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and maximizes value. The farm also breeds climate-smart pigs, heat-tolerant and low-feed varieties through artificial inseminate, that thrive with fewer resources while maintaining high-quality standards.
Beyond environmental sustainability, Royal Baobab Farms is deeply rooted in community impact. By sourcing feed and supplies locally, the farm boosts nearby economies while staying true to its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
The Pivot That Proves Anything Is Possible
Confidence’s journey from hospitality to agriculture wasn’t just a career change, it was a bold reinvention. With support from the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) Cohort 10 incubator, she integrated cutting-edge climate resilience practices into her operations. Solar-powered irrigation and ventilation systems enhance energy efficiency, while advanced water conservation techniques combat scarcity. The farm’s circular economy model ensures that nothing goes to waste, turning byproducts into profitable resources.
Confidence’s visionary approach has delivered measurable results for both her community and the planet. Since launching, Royal Baobab Farms has created an astonishing 404% increase in local employment, providing stable livelihoods while championing sustainable agriculture.
The farm’s climate-smart innovations are making an equally impressive environmental impact. In just three months of incubation, their solar-powered systems and waste-to-energy solutions have prevented 8.64 metric tons of carbon emissions, the equivalent to taking two gasoline-powered cars off the road for an entire year.
Through GCIC’s Women Entrepreneurship and Transformation Program (WETP) workshops and business incubation support, Confidence has gained more than just technical skills. She’s developed the confidence, business acumen and assertiveness to break through gender barriers in male-dominated agriculture. “These tools have transformed how I see myself as both a leader and entrepreneur,” she reflects. “No barrier is too great when you’re armed with knowledge and determination.”
This powerful combination of economic empowerment, environmental stewardship and personal growth exemplifies how GCIC supported businesses create ripple effects far beyond their immediate operations.
Why This Matters for Entrepreneurs
Royal Baobab Farms stands as a powerful testament to what’s possible when passion meets innovation. Confidence’s transition from hospitality to pig farming proves that your background doesn’t define your future. Anyone can pivot successfully with the right vision and support. Her story also demonstrates that sustainability isn’t just an ideal; it’s a scalable, profitable reality. Climate-smart practices not only reduce environmental impact but also lower operational costs, creating a win-win for business and the planet.
Most importantly, Royal Baobab Farms highlights the transformative role of GCIC in empowering entrepreneurs. Whether in tech, fashion, or agriculture, GCIC provides the tools and knowledge needed to innovate and thrive within any industry.
A Queen’s Challenge to Aspiring Founders
Confidence’s journey leaves us with a compelling question: “If I can go from creating unforgettable guest experiences to raising pigs sustainably, what’s stopping you from pursuing your boldest idea?”