Sahel Capital, through its Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA), has announced a $1 million debt investment in Persea Oil, a leading avocado oil producer operating in Kenya and Tanzania.
The funding package includes $500,000 allocated for working capital and an additional $500,000 dedicated to capital expenditure projects aimed at expanding the company’s processing capabilities.
Persea Oil runs processing facilities in both countries, providing reliable market access for more than 800 smallholder avocado farmers. The company operates separate production lines for organic and conventional avocado oil, ensuring full traceability across supply chains.
To support farmers ahead of harvests, Persea advances around 15% of procurement funds, easing financial pressures for growers. All of the company’s avocado oil output is exported, with most shipments headed to Spain and other European markets.
Zakayo Ngetich, Sahel Capital’s Vice President for East and Southern Africa, said the investment comes at a time of rising global demand for avocado oil.
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“Rising global demand for avocado oil, driven by increasing awareness of its health benefits and applications in food, skincare, and pharmaceuticals, has created a strong market. Kenya, with its ideal climate and fertile land, is well-positioned to serve this demand. Our renewed support for Persea reflects the company’s impressive trajectory since our initial investment in 2024,” he said.
The deal is expected to boost Persea’s processing capacity, strengthen its support for smallholder farmers, and expand its international market presence.
