L'ascension fulgurante de Just Work
This is the story of relentless determination. Originally from Mulhouse and raised in the Portes-Ferrées neighborhood of Limoges, 23-year-old Mbemba Diaby represents the energy and resilience of the African diaspora. Through his company Just Work, he decided to challenge one of the world’s biggest delivery giants: Uber Eats. His secret weapon? The values of solidarity and hard work learned in working-class neighborhoods.
Like many young people, Mbemba initially dreamed of a career in football. But a fibroma in his thigh abruptly ended his professional ambitions. Instead of collapsing under disappointment, he took on multiple jobs — delivery driver, slaughterhouse worker, factory employee, caregiver for the elderly — while continuing his studies in a BTS program.
From this difficult period emerged a mindset that would later become the name of his company: Just Work.
From slammed doors to the Élysée Palace
Success did not come overnight. For nearly two years, Mbemba returned home every evening without earning a single euro. He faced hundreds of rejections and closed doors throughout the Paris region before finally finding people willing to believe in his vision.
His persistence eventually paid off. Through his sportswear brand, he managed to have celebrities such as footballer Presnel Kimpembe and boxer Bakary Samaké wear his designs. Today, his collection is even available at Galeries Lafayette in Limoges.
Competing with Uber Eats through human values
Mbemba’s biggest achievement is undoubtedly his home delivery platform. Having worked himself as a delivery driver, he understood the weaknesses of companies like Uber Eats and Deliveroo, especially the imbalance in revenue distribution.
With the Just Work application, the model is different: delivery fees go directly to the drivers. Around forty delivery workers currently operate through the platform, which has already surpassed 5,000 downloads.
Even more remarkable, the company developed an anti-food-waste initiative. Partner restaurants donate surplus meals, while Just Work handles delivery free of charge to distribute food to homeless people.
2026: The year of expansion
This combination of technology and social impact pushed the young diaspora entrepreneur into the national spotlight. Winner of the prestigious Talents des Cités national competition in 2024, Mbemba Diaby was officially welcomed at the Élysée Palace by President Emmanuel Macron.
For 2026, Mbemba’s ambitions are even bigger. His goal is to further optimize the platform, improve working conditions for delivery drivers, and secure partnerships with major retail brands.
A powerful reminder that with the “Just Work” mentality, persistence can turn impossible dreams into reality.
Analyse d'Impact Général
Ce que cette actualité signifie pour vous
- For young people (both in Guinea and across the diaspora):
Mbemba’s journey proves that failure is only a stage, not an ending. Forced to abandon his dream of becoming a professional football player because of illness, he reinvented himself instead of giving up. A setback should never destroy your ambition. - Boldness creates opportunities:
To promote his clothing brand, Mbemba went door-to-door in shops across Limoges and directly approached celebrities such as Presnel Kimpembe. Today, his products are sold at the prestigious Galeries Lafayette. Sometimes, success starts by daring to ask. - Ethics as a business model:
If you want to compete against major corporations, identify the ethical gap they ignore. Unlike Uber Eats, Just Work redirects delivery fees directly to drivers and even distributes unsold restaurant meals to homeless people free of charge. This human-centered model is what attracts customers — and institutional recognition.
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