This Week, on African Farms

The Dutch entrepreneurial development bank FMO has announced a $100 million financing facility for Olam Agri. This seven-year loan is specifically designed to support the rice trade, moving the staple grain from major producers in India, Thailand, and Vietnam into African markets where it is a daily necessity. The goal is to keep supplies stable for regions that still depend on imports to keep their citizens fed.

Moroccan engineering firm, REMORA, has completed a new wheat flour mill in Senegal capable of processing 500 tons of wheat per day. This is a boost for Senegal, which has become the third-largest wheat importer in West Africa as bread and pasta consumption grow. Since domestic wheat production is almost non-existent in the region, this mill is a critical step in meeting a demand that has seen imports rise by 30% over the last five years.

Ghana is intensifying its efforts to cut its palm oil import bill by $200 million annually by partnering with Chinese investors. The Integrated Oil Palm Development Programme aims to develop 100,000 hectares of plantations and create 250,000 jobs. By moving toward a zero-tariff trade agreement with Beijing, Ghana is positioning itself as a regional hub for the 400-million-strong ECOWAS market.

Escalating hostilities in the Middle East, including the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, are rattling global oil and fertilizer markets. Because the strait carries a third of the world's fertilizer trade, South African industry leaders are warning of a spike in diesel and input costs. Even though direct trade is limited, the rising shipping expenses and fuel prices could soon drive up food costs for consumers.

A new $1 million animal feed factory has officially commenced operations in Jigjiga, Ethiopia. The Suufi Animal Feed Factory uses digital technology to produce specialized nutrition for livestock, dairy, and poultry. With a daily capacity of 5,000 quintals, it is a major private investment aimed at modernizing livestock production in the Somali Regional State.

A UK-backed trade mission is currently connecting Zimbabwean horticultural producers with buyers from Europe and the UK. Exporters recently showcased pineapples, melons, and peas at a major trade show in Germany, and buyers are now visiting farms around Harare. The initiative takes advantage of tariff-free access to the UK market to boost foreign currency earnings for Zimbabwe.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and IITA have signed a $16.61 million grant for the third phase of the TAATprogram. Since 2018, this program has reached 25 million farmers and helped boost crop yields by up to 69% through climate-resilient technologies.

British International Investment (BII) and ILX have completed a $15 million joint investment to expand access to finance for small businesses and agribusinesses across East Africa.

The Africa FarmTech Expo Zambia & Southern Africa is scheduled for today, March 6-8, 2026. The pan-African trade show targets commercial and medium-scale farmers, focusing on food processing, packaging, and agricultural technologies across the Southern African value chain.

Rwanda’s AgriTech4Rwanda Innovation Challenge has received a boost through a new partnership between I&M Bank and the Rwanda Green Fund. They are offering "recoverable grants" and risk-sharing finance to help agritech SMEs become more investment-ready and climate-resilient.

Cameroon is still looking for 275 young entrepreneurs. The Ministry of Livestock is opening applications for young graduates interested in starting businesses in livestock or aquaculture. They are setting up 10 incubation centers across the country to help young professionals turn their ideas into real companies.