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Global Opportunities for African Tech Farmers

by Sanusi Afeez Opeyemi
7 minutes read
Tech Farmers in Africa

For decades, the image of the African farmer was one of weathered hands gripping a rusty hoe, backs bent under the relentless sun, and faces etched with lines of toil and fatigue. But today, that image is changing. Now, we see farmers controlling drones in the skies, coding from their smartphones, and harnessing the power of IoT (Internet of Things) to revolutionise agriculture.”

As tech takes root across Africa, it is unlocking vast opportunities, positioning these farmers to thrive in the global agricultural market. In this article, we’ll explore how African tech farmers are seizing these global opportunities and setting new standards for innovation.

Global Opportunities For Tech Farmers in Africa

Automated Agricultural Technology With Robotic Arms Harvesting Vegetables In Greenhouse

The Agricultural market presents immense opportunities for tech farmers. There’s currently over $100 billion in unmet demand for financing alone. Here are some global opportunities African tech farmers can tap into:

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology is revolutionising agricultural supply chains, offering unprecedented levels of transparency and traceability. For African tech farmers, this presents a golden opportunity to address longstanding issues of fraud and food safety while meeting the growing global demand for ethical and sustainable produce. Data from Juniper research estimates that blockchain could reduce food fraud by up to $31 billion annually by 2024. 

In Africa, where smallholder farmers produce up to 80% of the food supply, blockchain can be a game-changer. Emma Weston, CEO of AgriDigital, an Australian blockchain startup, notes, “Blockchain in agriculture is not just about technology; it’s about creating trust and empowering farmers in global supply chains.”African tech farmers can not only improve local food systems but also tap into the global market for traceable and ethically sourced agricultural products. which is expected to reach $31.8 billion by 2029 according to Markets and Markets research.

Mobile-based Financial Services

Mobile-based financial services have become a cornerstone of agricultural development in Africa, offering unprecedented opportunities for tech-savvy farmers. The widespread adoption of mobile technology across the continent has created a fertile ground for innovative financial solutions tailored to the agricultural sector. Mobile technology is not just connecting farmers to finance; it’s revolutionizing the entire agricultural value chain. 

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African tech farmers are developing a range of services, from mobile banking and micro-insurance to digital marketplaces that directly connect farmers with global buyers. For instance, Kenya’s M-Pesa has facilitated over millions of dollars in transactions in the agricultural sector alone. The World Bank estimates that digital financial services could add $3.7 trillion to the GDP of emerging economies by 2025, with agriculture playing a significant role. By leveraging mobile technology, African tech farmers are not only addressing local challenges but also creating scalable solutions with global appeal.

Vertical Farming and Controlled Environment Agriculture

 The UN projects 68% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050. Therefore, demand for innovative urban farming solutions is on the high. African tech farmers are well-positioned to develop and export CEA technologies that address both local and global food security challenges. The global vertical farming market is expected to reach $21.15 billion by 2028, according to PR Newswire. African startups like Soilless farm lab in Ghana and Growbox in Kenya are already making strides in this space, developing low-cost, high-efficiency vertical farming systems. 

These innovations not only address local food security issues but also have the potential to be exported to other urban centers worldwide, particularly in regions facing similar climate and resource constraints. As noted by Dr. Esther Ngumbi, Assistant Professor of Entomology at the University of Illinois: “African innovators need a unique perspective on resource-constrained vertical farming techniques that can meet the needs of Africa specifically.” By focusing on CEA technologies, African tech farmers can tap into a rapidly growing global market while contributing to sustainable urban development across the continent and beyond.

Agri-Tech Education and Training

Agri-Tech Education  has emerged as a critical sub-sector where African tech farmers can make a significant global impact. As agriculture becomes increasingly technology-driven, there’s a growing demand for skilled professionals who can bridge the gap between traditional farming practices and cutting-edge agri-tech solutions.By leveraging technologies like AI-powered personalised learning, African entrepreneurs can create scalable, accessible educational solutions that can be exported worldwide, tapping into the estimated $350 billion global e-learning market.

Carbon Credit Markets

African tech farmers are well-positioned to develop platforms that help measure and monetise carbon sequestration efforts, tapping into the rapidly growing global carbon credit market. According to Allied Market Research, the global carbon credit market is expected to reach $143.5 billion by 2027. Startups like Nori in the US have shown the potential of blockchain-based carbon removal marketplaces, and African tech farmers can adapt and improve upon these models. 

For instance, Kenya’s ACRE (Agriculture and Climate Risk Enterprise) Africa is already pioneering in this space, developing index-based insurance products that incentivise climate-smart agriculture. By creating platforms that accurately measure carbon sequestration in diverse African ecosystems and facilitate the sale of carbon credits on global markets, African tech farmers can not only contribute to climate change mitigation but also unlock new sources of income for millions of smallholder farmers across the continent.

African Tech Farmers:Creating Pathways for Global Agricultural Innovations

African tech farmers are no longer confined to local markets; they are poised to become global leaders in agritech solutions. As we look to the future, it’s clear that African tech farmers will play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive global food system. The world will not only watch Africa’s agritech revolution; it will increasingly turn to the continent for solutions to some of its most complex agricultural challenges.

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Agritech Digest seeks to provide the latest agricultural news, technology, innovations, and insights to promote awareness of agritech startups. It is dedicated to empowering Agritech startups, investors, policymakers, farmers, and agri-enthusiasts by offering knowledge and resources, helping them succeed in the evolving world of agritech and entrepreneurship in agriculture. Agritech Digest aims to showcase the vast potential of the agricultural technology industry by attracting investors and young talent through highlighting technology and innovations in the agritech industry.


Agritech Digest seeks to provide the latest agricultural news, technology, innovations, and insights to promote awareness of agritech startups. Agritech Digest aims to showcase the vast potential of the agricultural technology industry by attracting investors and young talent through highlighting technology and innovations in the agritech industry.

Agritech Digest seeks to provide the latest agricultural news, technology, innovations, and insights to promote awareness of agritech startups. Agritech Digest aims to showcase the vast potential of the agricultural technology industry by attracting investors and young talent through highlighting technology and innovations in the agritech industry.

Agritech Digest is your gateway to a fascinating world where agriculture meets technology.

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