--- title: "Agritech in Africa: Paving The Way For a New Era in Farming" url: https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/agritech-africa-paving-way-new-era-farming/ --- 1. [HOME](/) 2. [RESOURCES](/content-hub/) 3. [SEEDSTARS LIFE](/content-hub/life/) 4. AGRITECH IN AFRICA: PAVING THE WAY FOR A NEW ERA IN FARMING ![Agritech in Africa: Paving The Way For a New Era in Farming](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/roman-synkevych-fjj7lVpCxRE-unspl.2e16d0ba..max-1500x500.jpg) AFRICA • AGRICULTURE ## Agritech in Africa: Paving The Way For a New Era in Farming Ilma Ibrišević JANUARY 10, 2020 Imagine a drone flying 100 metres over a section of Nigerian farmland, taking infrared pictures that will then tell the farmer if his crops are suffering from a disease – up to 10 days before the damage is visible to the naked eye. This allows the farmer to treat the problem in due time, and as a result, his crop yield doesn’t get affected, and neither does his livelihood. This is the promise of Agritech. Agritech is a small but growing segment of the startup universe that’s aiming to improve or disrupt the global food and agriculture industry. Agritech also refers to the use of technology in agriculture with the aim of improving sustainability, efficiency, and profitability. According to[ AgTech](https://research.agfunder.com/2017/AgFunder-Agrifood-Tech-Investing-Report-2017.pdf), Agritech is a $7.8 trillion industry with investments reaching $2.6 billion. In Africa in particular, Agritech startups are showing impressive growth. According to a [report released last year by Disrupt-Africa](http://disrupt-africa.com/agrinnovating-for-africa-2018/), since 2016, over US$19 million has been invested in the Agritech sector in Africa alone, with the number of startups operating in the market increasing by 110% during the same period. ![jared](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/jared-brashier-duNHkmSkW6M-unsplash.width-800.width-800.jpg) From startups that leverage artificial intelligence to help farmers better manage potential risks and disasters such as droughts, pests and diseases to precision irrigation applications for crop farmers, the Agritech sector in Africa is brimming with potential. The growing use of tech applications, everything from soil testing and drone technology through micro-credit and micro-insurance availability, is looking to increase the overall productivity of the agriculture sector as a whole. A testament to the rise in Agritech in Africa, Nigerian tech hub Wennovation Hub launched its own Agritech incubation program, which provides training and mentorship to Agritech startups in addition to $15,000 in investment, according to[ Techloy](https://medium.com/techloy/wennovation-hub-announces-wennokick-its-first-incubation-cohort-for-agribusinesses-e28b6293dcea). Kenya and Nigeria dominate the Agritech market at the moment, with Ghana third. These three countries alone account for more than 60 percent of the active Agritech startups in Africa. However, although Agritech startups in Africa have been active in the market since 2010 and are diverse in nature, the market still remains untapped. ![sd](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/nandhu-kumar-fg5k00uT0TU-unsplash.width-800.width-800.jpg) The CTA said in a statement last week that its [Digitalisation of African Agriculture Report 2018-2019](https://www.cta.int/en/digitalisation-agriculture-africa) found that in 2018 the market for the digitalisation of agricultural services netted an estimated $143 million — out of a total addressable market of $2.6 billion. [With 60% of the world’s unused arable land](https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/sites/default/files/blog/specialreports/949525/africa_2019_special_report.pdf) and [54% of Africa’s population working in the sector,](https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/02/1003252) the continent has enormous agricultural promise. Agriculture, in general, is one of Africa’s largest and most vital sectors. Agriculture accounts for 15 percent of the continent’s GDP, or over $100 billion annually, according to [McKinsey](https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/middle-east-and-africa/africas-path-to-growth-sector-by-sector). It provides not only food for its enormous and growing population but also acts as an economic lifeline for many African countries that are rich in agricultural resources. The African agricultural industry struggles to address a number of challenges. The weather is unpredictable and the population is exploding. Current farming practices are depleting the farm soil and exacerbating deforestation and water scarcity. There is a lack of technical expertise and young people are migrating away from rural areas and into cities. Furthermore, African farmers will need to increase their productivity in order to provide food and economic growth to support its growing population. Poor digital literacy and unwavering respect for traditional ways of working still persist. Africa remains the most food-insecure region in the world and a net importer of food. Finally, we are also in the very early days on the continent of understanding what funding models are going to work in Agritech in Africa. And we can’t forget the existential threat of the climate change crisis that looms large over our planet - Africa being the continent that will be most severely impacted. Across Africa,[ Agritech startups](https://www.seedstars.com/magazine/five-agritech-startups-aim-take-africa-greener-pastures/) are looking to scale, leveraging technology to positively disrupt the agricultural sector. ![sd1](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/40.width-800.width-800.jpg) [Image source](https://youtu.be/V0GxPFuClic?t=1) ## **Cowtribe focuses on animal health** [CowTribe](https://www.cowtribe.com/) is a Ghanaian Agritech startup that provides an on-demand mobile (USSD-based) subscription service which connects livestock farmers with veterinarians, and helps deliver animal vaccines and other livestock healthcare services to farmers. Once the farmers sign up for CowTribe, they receive a service that includes not only the vaccines, but also vitamins and other supplements for the animals. When the time for vaccines comes, CowTribe sends out a notification to the farmers notifying them of the date the veterinarian will visit them. Today, CowTribe has about 800 farmers as their clients are currently working on strengthening their supply to make sure the products are available whenever they’re needed the most by establishing formal distribution centres. The startup has been selected as the winner of the Seedstars Accra during the [Seedstars World Competition](https://www.seedstarsworld.com/?__hstc=242025565.bbcfd0e106d9837009e472c5b65ef1e8.1602852394907.1604565800380.1604574327779.16&__hssc=242025565.11.1604574327779&__hsfp=3801550621) in 2019, and became a hero of [the first Seedstars documentary](https://www.seedstarsthedocumentary.com/?utm_source=seedstars.com&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=agriculture-article-cta) about entrepreneurs from emerging markets. ![Gsummit2](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Gsummit_18_-_81.width-800.width-800.jpg) ## **AgroCenta aims at trade and finance** [Agrocenta](https://agrocenta.com/) is a Ghanaian Agritech startup that has won a $500,000 investment for coming first globally at the 2018[ Seedstars World](https://www.seedstarsworld.com/?__hstc=242025565.bbcfd0e106d9837009e472c5b65ef1e8.1602852394907.1604565800380.1604574327779.16&__hssc=242025565.11.1604574327779&__hsfp=3801550621) competition in Lausanne, Switzerland. They developed an online platform that connects the smallholder farmers (farms operating with less than two hectares of land) in the staple food (rice, maize, millet, and soybean) value chain to a wider online market to trade. Agrocenta ensures farmers are paid fair prices for their commodities and also allows them to sell in bulk. Those farmers also gain access to capital and information about best farming practices. Since[ winning at the Seedstars Summit](https://www.seedstars.com/magazine/agrocenta-ceo-challenges-entrepreneurship-ghana/), Agrocenta has been growing rapidly and has been showing the potential to become a regional or global solution. The company currently serves 15 communities spread out in four regions within Ghana, with more than 46,000 individual farmers registered on the platform. ## ## **Conclusions** At a time when food security is a major concern globally, Agritech in Africa holds the promise of a better future. Agritech has the potential not just to support agricultural transformation in Africa but to do so sustainably and inclusively for the whole world. However, to do so, Agritech needs to become more affordable and accessible through a collaborative approach of investment, development and policy. The continent’s young population and its vast arable land, coupled with the innovations within Agritech, might just be the thing that will exponentially propel Africa forward. [Watch #SeedstarsTheDocumentary to hear the stories of game-changers from emerging markets](https://www.seedstarsthedocumentary.com/?utm_source=seedstars.com&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=agriculture-article-cta) ARTICLE THEORY OF CHANGE AFRICA NIGERIA AGRICULTURE AGRITECH ## More like this [ ![Green startups in Asia](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/greenstartups.max-320x550.png) ASIA • ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES Can Green Startups in Asia Help Mitigate Climate Change? The Metronome, the famous Manhattan digital clock in Union Square, started the countdown to the next climate disaster. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/can-green-startups-asia-help-mitigate-climate-change/) [ ![Entrepreneurs in Africa](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Entrepreneurs_in_Africa.max-320x550.jpg) AFRICA • ECOSYSTEM ENABLER Designing Virtual Learning Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in Africa [Q&A] If we say that COVID-19 has changed the world, it would be an understatement. COVID-19 disrupted our world. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/designing-virtual-learning-opportunities-entrepreneurs-africa-q/) [ ![Vocational Training](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Vocational_Training_.max-320x550.jpg) AFRICA • EDUCATION & CONSULTING Can Vocational Training Help the African Economy Soar to New Heights? When the time comes to make career choices, modern young people suddenly find themselves in a seismically active world, where rock-solid paradigms are cracking, new normals are forming, and opportunities are flowing like lava. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/can-vocational-training-help-african-economy-soar-new-heights/) [ ![Tracking KPIs is crucial for ensuring that your start-up dream stays on track](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Measuring_KPIs.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • INVESTMENT 5 Simple Mistakes Start-ups Can Avoid When Measuring KPIs Despite some fantastic ideas, brilliant products and passionate owners, it’s a sad fact that most start-ups never make it to their third year. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/5-simple-mistakes-start-ups-can-avoid-when-measuring-kpis/) [ ![Seedstars Index](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Efficient_Tool.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • ECOSYSTEM ENABLER New Seedstars Index: Efficient Tool for Data-Driven Decision Making The Seedstars Index (SSI) has been fully reworked for the 2020 edition with the aim of achieving a higher quality predictive indicator for the success of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Why SSI is a powerful tool for data-driven decision making: __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/insights/new-seedstars-index-efficient-tool-data-driven-decision-making/) [ ![Prepare Younger Generations](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/C-Bridging_the_Gap_How_to_Prepare_Younger_Ge.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • OTHER Bridging the Gap: How to Prepare Younger Generations to the Future of Work Access without quality undermines investments in the sector and yields limited gains. Ivory Coast, and the continent more broadly, has witnessed an increase of the school attendance rates __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/bridging-gap-how-prepare-younger-generations-future-work/) [ ![Country of Innovation](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/switzerland.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • URBAN DEVELOPMENT How Switzerland Won Its Title of the Country of Innovation What makes Switzerland unique? How did the country manage to become the global leader in innovation? __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/how-switzerland-won-its-title-country-innovation/) [ ![Being a Better Leader](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Better_Leader.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • HR Being a Better Leader: 5 Skills Founders Have to Learn to Survive Their First Year It's not all doom and gloom. Founders have to realize that setting up a business is hard, but also that most challenges can be surpassed if tackled with the right mindset and skills. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/being-better-leader-5-skills-founders-have-learn-survive-their-first-year/) [ ![Civic Tech](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/C-Civic_Tech_Building_More_Transparent_Socie.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • URBAN DEVELOPMENT Civic Tech: Building More Transparent Societies in Developing Countries Our society is at a tipping point. Consequently, there is an urgent need for developing sustainable economic and social solutions for change. This is where transparency comes in. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/civic-tech-building-more-transparent-societies-developing-countries/) [ ![African startup funding](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_8.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • FINANCIAL SERVICES Future bright as african tech startup funding grows Africa has long lagged behind the rest of the world when it comes to investment, even in the continent’s most exciting tech areas. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/future-bright-african-tech-startup-funding-grows/) [ ![Entrepreneurial Landscape in MENA](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Omar_Christidis.max-320x550.jpg) MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA • TECHNOLOGY Overview of the Entrepreneurial Landscape in MENA by Omar Christidis, CEO of Arabnet [Interview] Recently, we had a chance to talk to Omar Christidis, CEO of Arabnet __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/overview-entrepreneurial-landscape-mena-omar-christidis-ceo-arabnet-interview/) [ ![Fighting Trash - Myanmar](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/waste.max-320x550.png) ASIA • ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES Fighting Trash: How Myanmar Is Tackling the Waste Problem in the Country? At the forefront of the Myanmar waste discussion, the historic nation grapples with managing unwanted products like plastic and food __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/fighting-trash-how-myanmar-tackling-waste-problem-country/) [ ![Migrant Workers](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/passport-thumbnail.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • TECHNOLOGY Migrant Workers: Four Ideas On How Technology Can Support Skills Mobility In this article, we will focus on the question of mobility skills, because building the right framework and policies to enable the movement of people is primordial for a sustainable economy and social wellbeing of the world’s population. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/migrant-workers-four-ideas-how-technology-can-support-skills-mobility/) [ ![Ventureburn editor Stephen Timm spoke to Heyl on the role that developed countries can play](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/keyways.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • TECHNOLOGY Key Ways to Shape Africa's Tech Startup Sector: Media Perspective Heyl has also taken an undisclosed share in the company, which was founded in 2010 by the late media entrepreneur Matthew Buckland, who passed away in April. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/key-ways-shape-africas-tech-startup-sector-media-perspective/) [ ![Technology and Entrepreneurship](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_24.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • GOVERNMENT Delivering Public Services Through Technology and Entrepreneurship The delivery of public services such as healthcare, education, sanitation and criminal justice, is a key task for any government. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/delivering-public-services-through-technology-and-entrepreneurship/) [ ![Password Manager for Startups](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/password_manager.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • PROFESSIONAL SERVICES What Is a Password Manager, and Why Does Your Startup Need One When you’re running a startup, it goes without saying that you’ve got a lot on your plate: managing your team, updating all your social media channels, responding to user feedback. The list goes on. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/what-password-manager-and-why-does-your-startup-need-one/) [ ![Fintech](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_20.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • FINANCIAL SERVICES Fintech and the Future of Your Money At the intersection of finance and technology lies a phenomenon that has been reshaping the world of money. The rise of the internet has brought about a high degree of disruption to almost all industries and financial services are no exception. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/fintech-and-future-your-money/) [ ![Digital Health](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/digitalhealth.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • HEALTHCARE Digital Health: A Solution to Growing Problems in Healthcare The Healthtech industry spans a broad number of sub-sectors: hospitals and practitioners; insurance companies; consumer-facing services; pharmaceuticals; and government – to name a few. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/digital-health-solution-growing-problems-healthcare/) [ ![LATAM Startup](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/chile4.max-320x550.png) LATIN AMERICA • INVESTMENT Chile — the Leading LATAM Startup Ecosystem Known for its numerous breathtaking landscapes, wineries, and abundance of copper, Chile is a country that has so much more to offer. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/insights/chile-the-leading-latam-startup-ecosystem/) [ ![Proven Methodologies](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/proven_methodologies.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • TECHNOLOGY Proven Methodologies for Delivering an Interactive Workshop in the Tech Industry Hosting a workshop at a conference or an event can be strenuous __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/proven-methodologies-delivering-interactive-workshop-tech-industry/) [ ![Networking with investors, media, prospective business partners, employees, and customers](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Networking_Event.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • ENTERPRISE How To Make The Most Out Of A Networking Event Although some entrepreneurs out there attribute their success to luck, savvy startups know that real business opportunity is created through hard work and consistently showing up in the right place at the right time. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/how-make-most-out-networking-event/) [ ![Have you ever been to Astana?](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/group.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • FINANCIAL SERVICES The FinTech Stars Journey: An Insight on the Three-Month Acceleration Program Have you ever been to Astana? You would be surprised. Sky-high glass buildings, newly built smart quarters with entrances by a fingerprint scan, huge Expo area - firstly, a venue for the biggest Exposition “Future of Energy” __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/fintech-stars-journey-insight-three-month-acceleration-program-july-24-2018/) [ ![Mega Cities in emerging markets](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Mega_Cities_in_emerging_markets.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • MOBILITY Mega Cities in emerging markets: what are the perspectives on Smart Mobility? By 2030, almost 60% of the world’s population will live in urban areas. The rapid growth of cities in the developing world, coupled with increasing urban migration, has led to a boom in mega-cities. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/mega-cities-emerging-markets-what-are-perspectives-smart-mobility/) [ ![Blockchain, Diaspora & Talents](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/venezuela.max-320x550.png) LATIN AMERICA • FINANCIAL SERVICES Venezuela as we see it : Blockchain, Diaspora & Talents It took us 5 years to finally set a foot in Venezuela. Last Friday, we organised a meetup at Impact Hub, founded in 2013 by Claudia Valladares among others, who is the current director. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/venezuela-we-see-it-blockchain-diaspora-talents/) --- ## Sitemap - [Sitemap](https://www.seedstars.com/sitemap.md): every public page on this site - [llms.txt](https://www.seedstars.com/llms.txt): what Seedstars does and where to start