Marahoue Petroleum & Co and FasterCapital today announced a strategic partnership under the EquityPilot program to accelerate the rollout of a modern, service‑driven station-service in Tofla/Bouaflé. The collaboration combines MARAHOUE PETROLEUM’s rural market focus with FasterCapital’s capital, mentorship and go‑to‑market resources to meet growing demand for carburant, GPL and ancillary services across the Marahoué region. 

Market opportunity & problem statement  

Rising vehicle ownership, expanded rural transport corridors and expanding agricultural logistics have driven Côte d’Ivoire’s fuel demand especially diesel and super while local convenience services remain fragmented. Rural gaps (no station within 15+ km of Tofla) create high transport costs, limited access to trusted fuel and few value-added offerings (shop, wash, EV charging). MARAHOUE PETROLEUM targets this white space with a hybrid retail model addressing fuel access, local commerce and fleet needs. 

Startup solution & differentiation  

Marahoue Petroleum will deliver a multi‑fuel station offering super, diesel, GPL, lubricants, quick‑service maintenance, a convenience boutique with local products, and EV charging readiness. The station’s differentiators include B2B fuel contracts for transporters, loyalty programs, on-site services for truckers (showers, parking), and strict environmental compliance (double‑walled tanks, separators). Early financial models and local market surveys indicate strong traction from transporters and agribusiness cooperatives; the venture projects rapid break‑even through diversified revenue streams and volume contracts. 

FasterCapital partnership value  

Through the EquityPilot program, FasterCapital provides seed capital, strategic mentorship, digital product support, investor introductions and assistance with regulatory compliance. FasterCapital’s selective criteria market potential, team capability and defensible business model validated MARAHOUE PETROLEUM’s approach. The partnership will fast‑track construction, roll out digital payment and loyalty features, and prepare the company for follow‑on funding within 9–15 months. FasterCapital resources will also support ESG and environmental permitting. 

Executive quotes  

“[MARAHOUE PETROLEUM] addresses a clear rural infrastructure gap with a pragmatic, revenue‑diverse model,” said Hesham Zreik, Founder & Chief Investment Officer, FasterCapital. “EquityPilot aims to convert local market insight into scalable, investable operations this project aligns with our thesis on essential services in emerging markets.” “We founded MARAHOUE PETROLEUM to deliver reliable fuel and services to communities like Tofla,” said the company’s CEO, Mohamed Traoré. “FasterCapital’s capital and operational guidance accelerate our ability to modernize supply, create local jobs and deliver convenient, safe energy services.” 

Growth trajectory & future plans  

Near‑term milestones include land acquisition finalization, ICPE/CIAPOL compliance, construction, installation of pumps and a convenience store, and pilot B2B contracts for local fleets. Within 12–18 months MARAHOUE PETROLEUM aims to open additional rural sites across Marahoué and neighboring regions, introduce EV charging hubs and raise a Series A to fund regional scaling.Â