This Week, on African Farms

Somalia’s federal government has launched an agricultural reform agenda to cut food imports and strengthen resilience against climate shocks. The “Farm, and Make Somalia Prosper” programme will provide farmers with improved seeds, financing, and training in climate-smart practices like rainwater harvesting. The plan aims to shift the country from decades of dependency to homegrown production, with a network of 100 integrated demonstration farms planned by 2029.

Côte d’Ivoire has launched a new $27 million cashew processing facility, strengthening its position as the world’s top producer. The plant can process 120 tons of raw nuts per day, boosting local value addition. This move intensifies the competition with Tanzania, which is preparing for a record-breaking harvest, as Côte d’Ivoire aims to process nearly half of its expected 1.5-million-ton crop this year.

In Ghana, scientists are developing new methods to reduce methane emissions from rice farming. A specialised training programmebrought together researchers to refine land preparation, nutrient management, and agronomic practices. The project aims to improve rice productivity while helping Ghana meet its climate commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

A major U.S. trade deal called AGOA, which helps African countries export goods, is set to expire for South Africa at the end of this month. As a result, South Africa's farm exports, like fruit juice, will now face high taxes, making them more expensive in the American market. African industry leaders are currently in Washington asking the U.S. Congress to extend the popular trade deal for at least another year.

The border crossing between South Sudan and Uganda at Nimule is getting a major $10.7 million upgrade to improve trade. The project, funded by the European Union, will build better facilities and make customs and immigration processes faster and easier. A key part of the upgrade is a new market built specifically for women and young people, helping them to trade across the border more easily.

A group of major global companies, including PepsiCo and Unilever, has launched a new project to encourage regenerative farming. The "STEP up for Agriculture" initiative will provide funding and tools to organisations that help train farmers on methods that improve soil health. While the programme is starting in North America and Europe, it represents a major global push to make farming more sustainable.

Kenyan horticulturist Professor Mary Abukutsa has won the 2025 Africa Food Prize, the continent’s top honour for individuals driving change in food systems. Professor Abukutsa was recognized for over three decades of work researching and promoting indigenous African vegetables, such as jute mallow and African nightshade. Her work has elevated these once-marginalized crops, now valued for their high nutritional content and resilience to climate change.

Acumen has raised $245 million for its clean energy initiative targeting the “hardest-to-reach” areas of sub-Saharan Africa. The blended finance strategy aims to scale up clean power access for some 70 million people in 17 countries, including Malawi and Burkina Faso. The funding includes a $189.5 million debt vehicle for growth capital and a $57 million market-building facility.

SunCulture has secured a $5 million investment from WaterEquity’s Water & Climate Resilience Fund. The Nairobi-based startup, which holds over 50% market share for smallholder solar irrigation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, will use the funding to advance agricultural productivity across rural communities. This is the first investment from WaterEquity’s new fund, which has attracted over $100 million from corporate giants like Microsoft and Starbucks.

Tanzanian agritech startup MazaoHub has raised $2 million in an oversubscribed seed funding round to grow its data-driven, climate-smart services for smallholder farmers. The funding, led by Catalyst Fund and supported by DOB Equity, will be used to strengthen the company's technology, expand its service centres, and improve soil testing capabilities to boost farmer productivity and incomes.

GBHub Africa has made its first-ever investment in a Ghanaian SME, directing a $50,000 seed funding and technical support package to GreenHeart SE Limited. The agribusiness company is a pioneer in using biochar solutions to address land degradation and sequester carbon. The investment is part of GBHub Africa’s commitment to supporting innovative ventures that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

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.

The World Food Forum (WFF) Ghana Chapter is hosting a webinar today, Friday, September 26, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM WAT, on the theme “Youth at the Forefront: Transforming Ghana’s Food Systems Through Nutrition and Health Innovation.” The event wants to discuss the contributions of young people in redefining how food is produced and consumed in the country. Register now.

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.

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.