This Week, on African Farms

Liberia has launched a new $900 million program to transform its agriculture sector and improve food security. The plan focuses on growing more of five key crops, like rice and cassava, in order to reduce imports and create jobs. The government hopes to attract international partners and investors to fund the ambitious project. A major challenge will be to make sure that the new large-scale farms do not cause deforestation in the country.

In Rivers State, Nigeria, a new solar-powered center for recycling plastic waste was launched through a partnership between the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) and tech company GIVO. The facility will create local jobs while reducing pollution, and its opening is timely, as new government rules will soon require plastic producers to pay for and manage the recycling of their own packaging waste.

The government of Ghana is fixing up its old national animal breeding farms to help the country rely less on imported meat, much of which comes from Nigeria. The plan is to improve these long-neglected facilities so they can raise far more animals locally. This is part of a bigger effort to support Ghana's farmers and address issues that have led to the country importing 95% of the chicken it eats.

The Rainforest Alliance is launching a new certification seal for products like coffee and cocoa that are grown using regenerative agriculture. This means the food is farmed in a way that helps restore the environment by improving soil health and protecting nature. The new seal, which starts in 2026, will give companies a trusted way to prove their products are sustainable and help farmers in Africa meet new environmental rules. The overall goal is to make farming more resilient to climate change and better for the planet.

In a first for Liberia's agriculture, the research institute IITA and its partners have established a formal system for producing high-quality cassava seeds in the country. Through the Seed4Liberia project, they have distributed improved "breeder seeds" to 27 trained local entrepreneurs who will now multiply and sell them to farmers. This milestone, which uses a commercial seed system model pioneered in Nigeria, aims to boost Liberia's cassava yields, improve food security, and uplift farmer livelihoods.

A large, modern chicken farm that can hold up to 30,000 birds has just been completed in Zimbabwe by the company Big Dutchman. The new facility is fully equipped with advanced technology for feeding, watering, and ventilation to help farmers work more efficiently. This project is expected to help Zimbabwe increase its local chicken production and rely less on imports from other countries.

A new report says the Central African Republic is facing a major food crisis. Right now, 2.2 million people—more than a third of the country's population—do not have enough food to eat. This is because ongoing fighting and very dry weather have made it difficult to grow crops. The problems have also caused the price of basic foods to go up by 70% this year. Even after the next harvest, the report warns that more than 1.8 million people will still be facing serious hunger.

Meanwhile, South Africa is having a very good year for farming, which should help keep food prices stable. The recent summer grain harvest was 26% larger than last year, producing much more maize than the country needs, so the extra will be exported. The upcoming winter crop harvest also looks promising and is expected to be 5% larger than last year, with strong results for wheat and canola.

To meet the needs of Southern Africa's forestry industry, John Deere has introduced a new tree-harvesting machine called the 2144G Swing Machine. The harvester is designed to be tough enough for the region's eucalyptus and pine plantations, with an efficient engine and features that make maintenance easy to reduce downtime. A key focus is on the machine's operator, who gets a safe and comfortable cab designed to reduce fatigue and increase productivity. John Deere is also providing financing options and local dealer support for the new machine.

Zimbabwe has temporarily banned all maize imports to protect its local farmers, allowing them to sell their own improved harvest at good prices. However, the ban has wider effects. For Zimbabwe, the country's harvest is still not big enough to last the whole year, so the ban will likely be temporary. For its neighbors, it creates a short-term problem for countries like South Africa and Zambia, as they have both had huge harvests and have now temporarily lost a key customer for their extra grain.

A group of major African banks and financial institutions including AfreximBank and Equity Group Holdings have pledged $100 billion to support green industrial projects across the continent. The money will be used to build new industries powered by renewable energy, develop green fuel supply chains, and create jobs. This historic pledge, announced at the Africa Climate Summit this week, is one of the largest ever led by Africa's own private sector. It signals a major shift, with African financiers now taking the lead in funding the continent's climate-friendly economic growth.

AgDevCo, an investment firm focused on African farming, has invested $7 million in a sustainable palm oil company in Sierra Leone called Planting Naturals. The company produces organic palm oil for export by working with its own farms and a network of 8,000 local smallholder farmers. This new funding will help the company grow its operations and provide more training and support to farmers. The investment aims to boost the incomes of rural communities and establish Sierra Leone as a key source of certified, environmentally friendly palm oil.

Applications are now open for KAC-Afrika's growth capital program, a unique opportunity for agri-business startups in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya. The program is seeking established, profitable companies with annual revenues between $400,000 and $1 million that are working in areas like agri-tech, logistics, food processing, and climate resilience. Selected startups will receive between $40,000 and $60,000 in zero-interest financing, along with tailored business support to help them scale their operations. Apply here.

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.

Innovate47 is also accepting applications for its Climate Action Accelerator, a three-month virtual program designed to empower early-stage startups tackling climate change and sustainability challenges. The program equips founders with the knowledge and connections needed to succeed, offering a specialized curriculum on business models and fundraising, personalized mentorship from global industry leaders, and direct access to potential investors. Apply by September 15.

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.

Registrations are open for the 37th edition of the Sahara International Agricultural Exhibition, returning to Cairo, Egypt, from September 14th to 16th. This long-running event serves as a major gathering for agricultural professionals from across the region and beyond. Check it out.

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.