Hibiscus magic: The refreshing discovery of Bissap in Germany!

Hibiscus magic: The refreshing discovery of Bissap in Germany!

On August 1, 2025, Marya Kapenda, a student at Ruhr University Bochum, reports on an exciting new initiative in the field of African nutrition. In an interview she describes the taste of Bissap, a traditional soft drink from West Africa. It is characterized by a fruity, refreshing note, dominated by hibiscus, complemented by a hint of lemon and nutmeg. Bissap is largely unknown in Germany, although it is widespread in many African countries.

Kapenda founded the start-up afro drinks by bam GmbH together with Ben Aziabou, a computer science student at TU Dortmund. Her motivation comes from Aziabou's childhood, who knows Bissap from his home country but couldn't find him in Germany. To change this, he developed his own recipe for Bissap in spring 2022.

The drink and its roots

Bissap is made from the dried flowers of hibiscus, specifically the species Hibiscus sabdariffa. These flowers are known not only for their unique taste but also for their numerous health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, iron and vitamin C, which gives the drink added health benefits. Studies have shown that hibiscus tea may be able to regulate blood pressure and support the immune system. Other health benefits include possible lowering of cholesterol levels and promoting liver health, such as feelgoodpal.com affirmed.

Bissap has different names in different regions of Africa: in Burkina Faso and Senegal it is called bissap, in Gambia it is called wonjo, and in Nigeria it is called zobo. The latter is often enriched with other ingredients such as ginger and cinnamon. The drink is very popular not only in West Africa but also in other parts of the world such as Mexico and the Caribbean.

In 2022, Kapenda and Aziabou tested their Bissap variant at a Cologne Christmas market, where they sold 100 bottles. The feedback was consistently positive. Buyers who knew the drink from trips to Africa or bought it as a gift often expressed enthusiasm.

Cultural mission and future plans

The founders of the start-up see their project not only as a business, but also as a cultural message. You want to convey a positive image of African culture, as African products are often underrepresented in Germany. Another important goal of the two is to build a youth center in Togo in order to offer children and young people more meeting places there.

The price for a bottle of Bissap is currently around 1.50 euros net, which is due to the small production quantity. Kapenda gives those interested in starting a business three essential tips: don't be afraid, stay true to yourself and have self-confidence. WORLDFACTORY, the start-up center of the Ruhr University Bochum, supported and mediated the founders throughout the entire process.

In the future, Kapenda and Aziabou plan to develop more African soft drinks with the aim of attracting organic supermarkets and delicatessens as distribution partners. The diversity of hibiscus in different cultures and its health benefits make this step particularly promising. With the right support, afro drinks by bam GmbH could make a significant contribution not only commercially, but also culturally and socially.