Agribusiness

Low levels of productivity and poorly integrated value chains greatly limit Africa’s ability to feed itself. And yet in sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture accounts for 32% of GDP and employs 65% of the workforce. The potential for agriculture to reduce food insecurity and poverty on the continent is not to be underestimated. At the AECF, we believe small and growing businesses hold the key to driving agricultural transformation and building resilience among smallholder communities. By providing catalytic funding and technical support to these enterprises, we work to boost productivity and improve the lives of smallholder farmers in Africa.

Since 2009, our agribusiness work has supported 198 companies across 26 countries in over 40 value chains. Through this portfolio we have invested over US$ 210 million, and currently have more than 35 active projects in the field. We have supported a diverse range of enterprises, including improved seed varieties and livestock vaccines, the introduction of new farming systems and agribusiness models, as well as the provision of financial, media and information services and technologies.