Agriculture is the foundation on which humans became more productive, more skilled and more intelligent. In Africa, farming has always been a big part of the economy. It gives people jobs and a way to make a living. But, we could be doing even better. Nowadays, we have to figure out how to feed more people while taking care of our planet. Farming still has some issues, like not having enough good land, seeds, fertilizers, or knowing the best ways to farm
To make farming better and feed more people in Africa, Resorting to modern technologies in the sector of agriculture has become inevitable. Many new companies focusing on agriculture and technology, called agritech startups, have started in Africa. These startups use things like blockchain, drones, sensors in the soil, artificial intelligence, and computer vision to help farmers grow more crops, improve how they sell them, and take care of the environment. They also create digital systems to help farmers find markets to sell their crops, get what they need to farm, like seeds and tools, get insurance, loans, and learn more about farming. All to one end - increased productivity.
As more and more new technologies are used in farming, more agritech startups are starting up. Here is a list of fast-growing agritech startups to watch out for.
1. RoboCare
This is a startup from Tunisia that helps detect plant diseases early in greenhouses using high-tech imaging and artificial intelligence (AI). Their solutions, Crop-Care and Toma-Care, can spot stressed plants even before pests show up, when infections are easier to control. They use special cameras that capture signals from plants in the near-infrared range to tell healthy plants apart from stressed ones.
RoboCare also looks at recent images from drones, planes, and satellites and uses AI to figure out if there are any nutrient problems, diseases, pests, or weeds in the crops. They then give personalized advice to farmers on how to take care of their land and crops better. By keeping an eye on plant health digitally, RoboCare helps farmers deal with issues before they become big problems for their crops. They also use drones to identify stressed plants and fight against the effects of climate change, reducing costs, crop losses, and water use.
This is a startup from Ghana that helps small-scale farmers prevent their crops from spoiling after harvest. They use solar-powered cold storage technology to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for up to 21 days, which is a big deal for farmers in rural areas who often struggle with crops going bad too quickly. This technology includes special cold room panels, solar panels, sensors, a compressor, and an air cooler, all working together in a smart solar-powered cool box.
This high-tech storage system, connected through the internet, reduces the amount of crops that go bad, allowing farmers to sell their produce for better prices. This helps them earn more money and improves their financial stability. AkoFresh also helps in reducing food waste, which is good for the environment because it lowers the amount of greenhouse gases produced and saves natural resources. Overall, AkoFresh is helping to make food production more sustainable while also benefiting farmers and the environment.
3. AgriPredict
This is a startup from Lusaka, Zambia, making big changes in agriculture. They use artificial intelligence and data science to give farmers important information they need. This includes spotting diseases, predicting pest attacks, and knowing about the weather. Their goal is to make sure all farmers can easily get the help they need to succeed and do well. They provide services that are personalized to each farmer, making sure they have the support to not just get by, but to do great.
Their main product is a smart platform that uses advanced analytics. It collects and looks at lots of data like weather patterns, soil conditions, how crops have done in the past, and market trends. Then, it uses all this data to make predictions in real-time. This helps farmers prepare for risks, plan better, and use precise farming methods. AgriPredict also sends alerts if there's a disease or pest problem nearby. Farmers can even take a picture of a sick plant and get advice on what to do, including where to find help nearby. They focus on using the latest technology to give farmers the information they need, especially in places where it's hard to get agricultural advice.
4. Apollo Agriculture
This is a startup from Nairobi, Kenya, that wants to help small farmers in rural Africa succeed. They offer a package of services to farmers to help them improve their farms and make more money. This package includes things like getting loans, getting seeds and fertilizers, getting advice tailored to their farm, getting insurance, and finding markets to sell their crops.
Here's how it works: Farmers apply for these services, and if they're approved, Apollo Agriculture gives them a voucher to use at local stores to get what they need. Then, Apollo Agriculture pays for these items. Farmers pay back the cost of the services after they sell their crops at harvest time. Apollo Agriculture uses fancy technology like machine learning, remote sensing, and mobile payments to make sure they can give loans to farmers who need them and will be able to pay them back. Their goal is to help turn small farms into big businesses by giving farmers the money and resources they need to improve their farms and make more money.
5. Aerobotics
This a startup from Cape Town, South Africa, is making a big impact on agriculture and forestry in Africa. They use high-tech methods like aerial imagery and data analysis to make farming and forestry better. By using drones and smart computer programs, Aerobotics helps farmers and foresters take care of their plants more effectively.
Their main products are drone surveys and data analysis platforms. These tools work together to give farmers important information about their crops, like spotting issues that could affect how much they produce. By providing precise and up-to-date data, Aerobotics is helping farmers make smart choices about things like watering and fertilizing their crops. Aerobotics wants to empower farmers and foresters with the tools they need to make farming and forestry more successful and sustainable. Their goal is to help farmers grow more food to feed the world, using intelligent technology every step of the way.
6. Livestock Wealth
This a startup from Johannesburg, South Africa, is changing how the livestock industry works. They're introducing a new idea called crowd-farming, which lets people invest in livestock without actually owning or managing the animals themselves.
Their main product is a crowd-farming platform where investors can buy shares in herds of cattle, goats, or sheep. Livestock Wealth then partners with local farmers who take care of the animals, while investors can keep track of how their animals are doing through the platform. This platform makes farming more accessible to everyone, not just experienced farmers. It allows people without agricultural backgrounds to invest in livestock, which was usually something only big farmers could do. Livestock Wealth is making farming more democratic and giving more people the chance to be part of this asset class.
7. Nambu
This is a startup from Grahamstown that's using innovative methods for eco-friendly animal feed. They use Black Soldier Fly larvae, also known as BSFL, to turn food waste into nutritious feed for animals like pigs, fish, and chickens. Here's how it works: They feed food and organic waste to the BSFL larvae. Once the larvae are separated from their food, Nambu can sell them directly to local farmers. They also have the option to process the larvae into dried form or meals for the wider feed industry.
By using food waste for insect rearing, Nambu is promoting nutrient recycling and reducing the environmental impact of waste. This helps support regenerative farming practices and creates a more sustainable food system. Nambu's goal is to increase the production of insect protein to make our food system more resilient and sustainable.
8. Thrive Agric
This is a startup from Nigeria that's all about helping farmers connect with finance, top-notch markets, and data. They use technology and business savvy to make sure everyone can play a part in farming and ensure there's enough food for everyone.
Here's how it works: Thrive Agric gets money from big investors, and then they use that money to help farmers. They provide farmers with good-quality materials, expert advice, automated processes, and machinery to help them grow crops better. At the end of each farming cycle, both the investors and the farmers get decent returns on their investment. Thrive Agric offers investment opportunities that not only make a profit but also have a big impact on farming. Their vision is to make Africa a leader in feeding both itself and the world, one farmer at a time. They aim to achieve this by giving African farmers easier access to money and financial services, so they can thrive in their work.
9. Hello Tractor
This is a startup from Nairobi, Kenya, that's making it easier for smallholder farmers in Africa to access farming machinery, especially tractors. They connect farmers who need tractors with owners who are willing to lease out their equipment. Access to tractors is a big challenge for many small farmers in Africa, but Hello Tractor is helping them solve this problem. Their app works like Uber but for tractors, matching farmers who need tractors with owners who have them available for lease.
Here's how it works: Hello Tractor has a digital marketplace where tractor owners can list their equipment for lease, and farmers can search for tractors they need. Farmers can register on the platform, make pre-payments, and request a tractor lease for a specific date in advance. By providing access to industry experts and infrastructure, Hello Tractor helps farmers simplify their operations, improve productivity, and grow their businesses. They're empowering farmers to diversify and scale up their operations by giving them access to the machinery they need
10. Complete Farmer
This is a startup from Ghana that acts as a crowd-farming platform, allowing people to invest in sustainable farms across Africa. Customers can become "crowd farmers" by investing in these farms and monitor their progress remotely.
They also provide valuable data and information on how to achieve healthy yields and the best farming practices, using a data-driven approach to improve farming scientifically. The startup aims to be a comprehensive platform for everyone involved in the agricultural value chain, including food growers, buyers, and enthusiasts. Their vision is to create a world where everyone can come together to eat by collaborating and working together.
11. iProcure
This is a startup from Kenya focused on improving the agricultural supply chain in Africa. They have developed a digital infrastructure that offers business intelligence and data-driven stock management for small-scale farmers. This helps farmers access markets more easily and avoid losses after harvesting due to supply chain problems.
Farmers can purchase all the supplies they need through mobile vouchers on the platform. Additionally, the platform allows users to manage their inventory and point-of-sale activities. iProcure ensures complete visibility throughout the supply chain, offering alternative distribution channels to ensure products reach consumers without any issues. They provide value to both manufacturers and consumers by offering real-time business intelligence and alternative distribution channels. Their strategically located storage facilities ensure wide access to rural consumers, and predictive algorithms prevent shortages of essential commodities.
12. BioBuu
This a startup from the Coast Region of Tanzania, is dedicated to helping farmers grow healthier and safer crops while reducing waste and dependence on harmful chemicals. They offer organic-based alternatives that are safe, affordable, and sustainable for farmers.
One of BioBuu's innovative practices is a recycling system that uses black soldier flies to transform food and organic waste into high-protein feeds for fish and chickens, as well as compost for plants. They then distribute these products to farmers across the country, promoting sustainable agriculture by turning organic waste into inputs for producing healthier crops. In addition to improving crop health, BioBuu also addresses organic waste management issues and indirectly contributes to reducing methane emissions, making a positive impact on the environment.
13. Victory Farms
This is a startup from Kenya, is transforming white meat production in East Africa. As one of the largest fish farms in the region, the company is using technology to accelerate its growth while delivering top-quality products to customers.
Victory Farms runs a fully-integrated platform that manages every step of the production process, from farming to processing, sales, and distribution. They also have an efficient cold-chain system in place to ensure that their products reach customers and off-takers in perfect condition.
14. Agriprotein
This is a startup from South Africa that deals with organic waste in a smart way. Every day, they take 100 tonnes of organic waste that would normally go to landfills and turn it into something useful. They produce over 2,000 tonnes of a product called MagMeal every year.
Here's how they do it: They use insects and technology to change the organic waste into valuable stuff. This includes alternative protein for animal feed, natural oil for more animal feed, and a soil enhancer. First, they collect the waste from landfills and process it into a paste. Then, they put black soldier flies in special cages where they can lay eggs on the paste. When the eggs hatch, the larvae eat the organic waste and grow. As they get bigger, they turn the waste into protein. After some final processing, they get MagMeal, which is a natural animal feed with 55% protein. This feed is sold to fish farms to help them raise healthy fish.
Conclusion
The agriculture industry is evolving into the next high-tech sector, and agritech solutions will be essential in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. As demonstrated by the diverse range of agritech startups highlighted above, from sustainable animal health food production to vertical farming and automation, there is immense potential for innovation in this field.
With the growing importance of addressing environmental concerns and improving food production efficiency, we anticipate a significant inflow of venture capital into the agritech industry in the coming years. This investment will drive further innovation and propel the sector forward, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and technologically advanced agricultural landscape.
Stay tuned for more insights on the ecosystem by following me here on Wazoplus and also on LinkedIn via this link
https://www.linkedin.com/in/favour-rukeme-seven-b53b93293
