This Week, on African Farms

President John Dramani Mahama has announced Ghana's ambitious plan to achieve 100% local chicken production within three years through the 'Nkokɔ Nkitinkiti' project. The national initiative aims to eliminate poultry imports by establishing a complete supply chain from day-old chicks to processing plants under a local brand. Currently, Ghana imports 95% of its chicken consumption, making this one of the continent's boldest food self-sufficiency pledges. The project will support both small and large-scale farmers while creating youth employment opportunities.

Uganda has unveiled the Kasolwe Brown Goat, a new breed developed entirely from indigenous genetics that could position the country as a major exporter of goat meat and genetics in sub-Saharan Africa. Created through selective breeding at Kasolwe Stock Farm in Kamuli District, the breed thrives in diverse climates, reproduces quickly, and promises to boost farmer incomes. A foundation herd of over 500 goats now breeds "true to type," consistently passing on superior traits to offspring.

A new $4.7 million initiative called Time2Graze will deploy satellite-based technology to help livestock farmers across Africa improve grazing patterns and reduce methane emissions. The three-year project, funded by the Global Methane Hub, wants to provide near-real-time estimates on grassland biomass so farmers can manage cattle more sustainably. This intervention is critical as African livestock accounts for 18% of global methane emissions, with cattle responsible for 70% of those emissions - numbers that could triple by 2050 without action.

Scientists at Kenya's Mwea Irrigation Scheme are testing freshwater prawns as natural predators to fight invasive golden apple snails that have ruined rice yields since 2020. The innovative biocontrol project at Kenya's largest rice-growing area, covering over 30,000 acres, could provide a sustainable model for other African nations facing similar agricultural pests. Farmers have been struggling with destroyed seedlings and declining harvests since the mollusks first appeared, forcing them to rely on expensive chemical treatments.

A new World Trade Organization agreement is now in effect to stop harmful fishing practices. It's the first global trade deal designed to protect the environment, giving Africa a major opportunity to fight the $11.2 billion it loses annually to illegal fishing. This becomes the first multilateral trade agreement directly focused on environmental sustainability.

Farmers across Benin and Ivory Coast are transforming social media platforms into strong agricultural tools, reaching millions through what researchers call "social agriculture." WhatsApp provides real-time market prices, Facebook serves as a commercial showcase, and TikTok offers training content. This digital shift is filling critical gaps since only 23% of producers in Benin receive formal technical advice. Rural women are organizing into collectives like "DigiQueen" to pool resources for smartphones and internet plans, ensuring they aren't left behind in the digital transformation.

Ghana's Minister of Food and Agriculture has revealed that the government secured €47 million from France to construct 10 new small dams and rehabilitate 8 irrigation facilities in northern regions. The project will also install 250 solar-powered boreholes across the country to promote year-round farming and reduce reliance on rainfall. This investment targets northern Ghana, which has been heavily impacted by climate change, and wants to revamp the country's underfunded agriculture sector.

Greenus Capital Limited has arranged a $23 million loan for Johnvents Industries Limited to accelerate agricultural transformation activities in Nigeria. The Lagos-based financing company structured the deal to support the company's expansion in the agricultural sector, highlighting growing private sector investment in Nigerian agriculture.

CI Capital Private Equity and Egyptian clean energy company Engazaat have partnered to launch North Africa’s first green infrastructure fund, focusing on the critical nexus between water, energy, and food systems. This groundbreaking partnership signals increasing investor recognition of the interconnected nature of agricultural sustainability and the need for integrated solutions across these sectors.

Are you an African founder ready to scale your agri-tech startup? The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme is now accepting applications for its free, year-long support program. Designed for startups creating impact in agriculture and related sectors like fintech, climate, and logistics, the program helps founders become investor-ready through customized advisory, targeted technical support, and access to a vibrant community of experts and investors. If you're ready to grow your business, you can apply now in English or in French before the September 28 deadline.

Applications are open for the Innovate47 Agri-Accelerator, a free, two-month virtual program designed to help early-stage startups that are revolutionizing the food and agriculture sector. The program is structured to help founders scale their business and prepare for investment. Throughout the program, participants will receive expert mentorship in areas like sustainable farming and technology, guidance on agricultural regulations, and access to a valuable network of peers and industry partners. Apply by September 30.

Cameroon's National Confederation of Cotton Producers is seeking suppliers for 52,000 tons of agricultural inputs worth $70 million for the 2025/2026 cotton campaign. This massive procurement effort underscores the scale of Cameroon's cotton industry and the significant investment required to maintain production levels in one of Africa's key cotton-producing nations.

For the first time on African soil, the 8th Sustainable Phosphorus Summit (SPS8) is set to take place in Accra, Ghana, from September 30th to October 3rd. This major global conference will bring together top scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to tackle key issues in food and water security. Attendees will explore innovative ways to improve fertilizer use, reduce waste, and recover vital nutrients. Register here.

The international agriculture community is invited to Accra, Ghana, for Agritech West Africa, taking place from September 19th to 20th. This major exhibition is designed to showcase the entire agricultural value chain under one roof. The event provides a platform for industry professionals to discover and engage with the latest advancements in farm machinery, irrigation systems, agrochemicals, and food processing technologies. Secure your spot.

Experts in agricultural economics are set to convene in South Africa for the 2025 Annual Conference of the Agricultural Economics Association, scheduled for September 29th to October 1st. This specialized conference brings together leading academics, researchers, and professionals to discuss the key business and economic trends shaping the continent's farming sector, with a focus on the growing role of technology and innovation. Find out more.

The West Africa Agri Show returns to Accra, Ghana, from September 24th to 25th, offering a focused trade show and exhibition for the region's agricultural sector. This event is targeted at industry professionals and businesses looking to explore the latest in agrotechnology, farm machinery, and food processing, serving as a key marketplace for discovering new equipment and connecting with suppliers. Register now.