As one of Africa’s most vital sectors, agriculture holds the potential to reduce poverty and strengthen food security. Agritech in Africa has grown over the years. Startups introduced digital tools more than a decade ago to increase yields, improve market access, and manage resources more efficiently.
What started as scattered efforts has become a thriving ecosystem. Different African countries are developing solutions that fit their unique challenges and opportunities.
Here are 15 countries with notable agritech activities in Africa. These countries include Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Ethiopia, Morocco, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia and Angola.
1. Kenya
Kenya has one of the most active agritech ecosystems in Africa. The country is a growing hub for digital agriculture tools. Known as the “Silicon Savannah,” Kenya has 4.5 million smallholder farmers, 80% of whom own mobile phones and use mobile money.
AgFunder agrifoodtech investment report 2024 indicated Kenya tops the list as the highest-funded agritech market in Africa. It received total funding of $833 million, or 37% of the total raised between 2014 and 2023.
Notable agritech companies in Kenya:
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i. Apollo Agriculture
ii. iProcure
iii. SunCulture
iv. Shamba Pride
v. Aquarech
2. South Africa
South Africa has made significant progress in biological and mechanical engineering. This advancement has led to the agriculture sector doubling its output since 1994.
The country takes the second spot in agrifoodtech investment in Africa. It secured $511 million, or 23% of the total raised between 2014 and 2023. (AgFunder 2024).
The agritech sector in South Africa includes 315 companies, of which 38 are funded.
Notable agritech companies in South Africa:
i. Aerobotics
ii. KHULA
iii. Nile
iv. Livestock Wealth
v. Tessara
3. Nigeria
As of December 2024, the country is home to over 230 agritech companies, many focused on addressing challenges for smallholder farmers and improving their livelihoods.
Nigeria ranks as one of Africa’s most dynamic agritech hubs and follows as the third-largest recipient of agrifoodtech investment in Africa. It attracted $326 million, which is 14% of the total between 2014 to 2023. (AgFunder 2024).
The sector is supported by a mix of incubators, accelerators, angel investors, and donors, who typically invest at the early stages. On average, 24 new companies launch annually.
Notable agritech companies in Nigeria:
i. Thrive Agric
ii. Hello Tractor
iii. Releaf
iv. Babban Gona
v. Tradebuza
4. Egypt
The Nile has long been essential to Egypt’s agricultural prosperity. Despite its rich agricultural history, Egypt faces challenges such as limited arable land and threats to water resources from climate change and regional conflicts.
However, agritech in Egypt is gaining momentum, and its innovations are helping farmers improve yields, reduce waste, and manage resources effectively.
Egypt ranks fourth in agrifoodtech investment on the continent. It received $301 million, or 13% of the total since 2014. (AgFunder 2024).
Notable agritech companies include:
i. One Order
ii. Fakahany
iii. FreshSource
iv. Nilebot
v. Brotinni
5. Ghana
Agritech in Ghana is a blend of B2C marketplace models and B2B farm management solutions. While 77% of companies are still in their startup phase, more established players are expanding to neighboring markets after reaching product-market fit in Ghana.
Advanced irrigation techniques, like fertigation, are becoming crucial in Ghana, especially with the increasing desertification in the north and flood risks in other regions. AI-powered technologies are also emerging to assess weather patterns, soil conditions, and plant health.
In recent years, Ghana has seen notable investment in the agrifoodtech sector.
Notable agritech companies in Ghana:
i. Farmerline
ii. Esoko
iii. Complete Farmer
iv. AgroCenta
v. Cowtribe
6. Ethiopia
Access to markets remains a major challenge for Ethiopian farmers. As a result, many smallholder farmers resort to selling their produce at a low price due to the struggle to find buyers. However, agritech startups in Ethiopia focus on using technology to address these challenges and boost farm productivity.
The Addis Ababa Startup Ecosystem Report highlights that 19% of agritech startups are in post-early stages. These startups created direct and indirect employment for several people in this economy.
Notable agritech companies in Ethiopia include:
i. Lersha App
ii. Ensira
7. Morocco
Morocco’s agricultural sector, recognized as a model through the “Plan Maroc Vert,” is embracing technological advancements to address climate challenges, rural migration, and youth training.
These tools are enhancing sector resilience and also positioned Morocco as a leader in agricultural innovation within the MENA region. Modern irrigation, precision agriculture, and other technologies are transforming traditional farming practices in this country.
In March 2024, the UK and Morocco expanded their agri-tech collaboration. Read more
Notable agritech companies in Morocco:
i. AgriEdge
ii. Entomonutris
iii. Groupe Elephant Vert
iv. Fellahi
v. Terraa
8. Uganda
Uganda’s agritech sector is still in the early stages, with a blend of startups focused on serving both farmers and businesses. While scaling has been limited, there’s significant potential to improve agricultural practices and expand access to financial services.
Local startups are addressing challenges such as poor market access, limited information, and insufficient funding. These efforts could reshape the sector.
Notable agritech companies in Uganda include:
i. Emata
ii. EzyAgric
iii. Jaguza
iv. Akello Banker
v. MyFarm
9. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s government launched the National AgriTech Strategy (2021–2025) to help connect farmers to mainstream markets and improve their livelihoods. The country has been a major player in the development of the Continental AgriTech Blueprint, with significant government support for innovative agricultural initiatives.
These initiatives include high-tech blueberry farming, EcoFarmer technology, and the Smallholder Homestead Commercial Business Units model. Zimbabwe’s agritech sector is home to many startups paving the way for industry transformation.
Notable agritech companies include:
i. Seed Co
ii. Farmhut
iii. Mbeu Yedu
iv. Farmonau
v. Umojalands
10. Tanzania
Tanzania’s agritech sector is dominated by B2C marketplace models, with most startups in the early stages of development. These startups mainly focus on domestic markets. Notable collaborations include Digital Mobile Africa’s partnership with UNCDF and the Postal Bank of Tanzania to improve market linkages and financing for farmers.
Farmers in Tanzania are increasingly adopting modern farming methods. Besides, solar-powered cold storage is helping farmers preserve perishable products like fruits and vegetables.
This shift towards technology is transforming the way farmers in Tanzania manage their operations and improve productivity.
Notable agritech companies include:
i. Wefarm
ii. Kilimo Fresh
iii. Mazao Hub
iv. Chanzi
v. Phema Agric
11. Rwanda
The integration of technology is transforming agriculture in Rwanda, a landlocked country with a growing agritech scene. Rwanda launched its fourth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA4) as part of its efforts to make agriculture a central driver of economic growth.
Digital agriculture, along with youth and women empowerment, plays a crucial role in the country’s transformation. The sector continues to evolve with an increased focus on efficient farming and economic development.
Notable agritech companies include:
i. NjordFrey
ii. Shambapro
iii. DigitAgri
iv. AquaSafi
v. FarmPal
vi. Mulika
12. Senegal
As reported by International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 2024, agritech sector in Senegal comprises 19 active companies, but only a few are headquartered in the country. The government’s support for financial services innovation, such as the Startup Act aims to streamline the regulatory environment.
Despite this, the sector faces challenges, especially in terms of regulations for digital financial services. Senegal’s agritech landscape includes companies focusing on farming equipment, expanded irrigation systems, and postharvest handling.
Notable companies include:
i. Tolbi
ii. BaySeddo
iii. Manobi
iv. Mlouma
v. Dialibatou
13. Côte d’Ivoire
As the world’s largest exporter of cocoa beans and raw cashews, Côte d’Ivoire is home to a developing agritech sector. Although over 20 Agritechs operate in the country, few are headquartered in Côte d’Ivoire. (IFC, 2024)
Currently, in the early stages of implementing national policies for digital agriculture, Côte d’Ivoire is piloting initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and productivity. The sector is growing, with digital solutions slowly scaling.
Notable companies include:
i. ECOOKIM
ii. SIFCA
iii. SOLIBRA.
14. Zambia
Farming is deeply woven into Zambia’s fabric. The country’s agritech landscape is shaped by a large number of smallholder farmers, with maize being the primary staple crop.
The ten years agrifoodtech report by AgFunder saw Zambia ranks sixth country in Africa with investments in this sector since 2013.
Agritech companies in this country focuses on enhancing farming practices, improving yields, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, there has also been a growing emphasis on agroecology in Zambia’s agricultural sector.
Notable agritech companies include:
i. eMsika
ii. PANEX
iii. AgriPredict
iv. Subtropical Urban Eden
v. Crocfarm
15. Angola
Although Angola has vast agricultural potential and is prioritising the sector, agritech is still in its early stages with digitalisation within agriculture at an embryonic stage, though there’s growing interest and some initiatives underway.
Several initiatives are underway, such as IITA Technologies, which improves seed production for smallholders, Aldeia Nova, an initiative that provides technical support and equipment, and the Quiminha Project which focuses on irrigation and farm development.
Notable agritech companies in Angola include:
I. Tupuca
II. TrazAqui
III. Fazenda Girassol
IV. Kepya
V. Agropoint
Final Thoughts
In the progress made by these 15 countries, we see a clear shift and growth of agritech in Africa. While some challenges remain, the strides taken offer hope for a future of food security, poverty reduction, and increased regional trade. Moving forward, there is a strong expectation for more growth through strategic initiatives and investment in this crucial sector.
