This Week, on African Farms

The United Nations has issued a flagship report warning that the world has entered an "era of global water bankruptcy." Scientists from the UN University say that many river basins and aquifers can no longer recover, putting global food systems and trade at a big risk. For Africa, this is both an environmental warning and an economic one. African agriculture is 95% rain-fed but increasingly relies on groundwater as backup, so the bankruptcy of these systems means the continent is losing its only buffer against climate shocks.

Rwanda’s coffee farmers are set for higher earnings in 2026 after the government raised the minimum farm-gate price by 25% to approximately $0.52 (Rwf 750) per kilogram. The increase is driven by higher international coffee prices and favorable exchange rate movements. Other factors include expanded international markets for Rwandan coffee and improvements in processing and quality. About 80 percent of Rwanda's coffee is fully washed, while higher-value processing methods currently account for about 5% of exports and attract premium prices.

South African agritech startup Livestock Wealth has reached a regulatory crossroads. Following an investigation into its "crowd-farming" model, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) imposed administrative penalties of approximately $2,750 (ZAR 50,000) for misleading conduct. While the regulator found no evidence of an illegal investment scheme, the firm’s financial services license has lapsed.

Thousands of Kenyan smallholder coffee farmers face an "existential threat" due to the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The law requires exact GPS coordinates for every farm to prove no deforestation has occurred. Currently, only 30% of Kenya’s coffee land has been geo-mapped. With the EU being a primary market, the slow pace of mapping puts thousands of livelihoods at risk as exporters struggle to meet the strict due diligence requirements.

Côte d’Ivoire has introduced a 9% VAT on animal feed and production inputs, ending a long-standing exemption. Since feed already accounts for 60% of livestock costs, industry experts warn this tax will increase pressure across the value chain, likely leading to higher prices for poultry and fish for local consumers.

Kenya is establishing national livestock feed reserves to protect herders from recurring droughts. The initiative will store fodder during surplus periods and release it through early warning systems during dry spells. This follows heavy livestock losses in arid regions and is designed to strengthen climate resilience for pastoral communities.

Zimbabwe has announced a massive mechanization drive to equip all 35,000 villages with tractors. The program aims to move subsistence farmers into commercial activity through "Village Business Units" that support solar-powered irrigation and horticulture. Small, village-appropriate tractors are expected to reduce manual labor and raise rural incomes.

More than 15,800 farmers in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province are battling a rapidly spreading fall armyworm outbreak. The infestation has damaged an estimated 10,000 hectares of crops. The Ministry of Agriculture has responded by deploying 10,000 liters of pesticides and training farmers in integrated pest management to protect staple crops during their most vulnerable stage

British International Investment (BII) is acting as a cornerstone investor in the $1 billion Allianz Credit Emerging Markets (ACE) fund. BII is committing $40 million to the blended finance vehicle, which aims to direct 40% of its capital to Africa for projects in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and clean transport.

Sahel Capital has announced the $29 million first close of its Sahel Capital Agribusiness Fund II (SCAF II). Backed by KfW Development Bank, the fund targets agribusiness value chains in Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Senegal, aiming for a final close of $75 million within a year.

The European Union has granted $4.3 million to bolster productivity for 40,000 smallholder farmers in Kenya. Implemented by IFAD, the three-year program focuses on soil restoration and climate-smart farming across six vulnerable counties.

Tech Safari and Briter Bridges are hosting a comprehensive breakdown of the 2025 Africa Investment Report on January 29 at 1 PM WAT / 3 PM EAT. The event features Dario Giuliani and investors from Novastar, LoftyInc, and ATG Samata, discussing the transition of Africa’s tech ecosystem to a "selective but resilient" environment and the changing capital stack in 2026. Register here.

The 11th Agro & Poultry Africa 2026 International Trade Exhibition will take place in Tanzania from January 29-31, 2026. The event will host exhibitors from 18 countries, showcasing the huge potential for agricultural growth in the region.

The Africa FarmTech Expo Zambia & Southern Africa is scheduled for 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.

The WASSMAS Agriculture Grant is currently accepting applications from small and mid-scale agricultural startups across West Africa. They provide financial support of up to $10,000, with capacity-building training, technical assistance, and equipment support.

The Leventis Foundation Nigeria is now accepting applications for its 2026 One-Year Agricultural Training Programme. This is a fully funded, residential program that equips young Nigerians with practical skills in modern agribusiness. Applications are open to passionate youth looking to build sustainable livelihoods.