Young African Entrepreneurs Redefine Agriculture Through Innovation and Resilience

Kalibanter Episode 2: Inspiring Stories of Agri-Tech and Climate-Smart Solutions

In the second episode of Kalibanter, a podcast series led by Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA and former UN Food Systems Envoy, the spotlight shone brightly on young African innovators transforming agriculture. The episode, titled “Let’s Talk Food Systems”, featured dynamic entrepreneurs from Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana who are tackling age-old farming challenges with modern technology, bold ideas, and an unshakable commitment to sustainability.

Hosted by Dr. Kalibata, who has been a tireless advocate for Africa’s food systems transformation, the episode underscored young people’s vital role in reshaping the continent’s agricultural landscape. Their stories provided a roadmap of resilience, highlighting how technology, climate-smart solutions, and value chain integration can offer immense opportunities for smallholder farmers.

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Meet the Changemakers: Tech Meets Tradition

1. Alan – Founder of Farm It (Kenya)
Alan, an agronomist and self-taught software engineer, turned his frustrations in the field into a powerful solution for farmers. While working as a seed sales representative, Alan noticed a recurring issue: farmers lacked access to critical knowledge and technologies that could optimize their yields.

“I sold farmers seeds and fertilizers, but year after year, they would say, ‘I didn’t get enough returns.’ I realized the problem was the gap in knowledge and best practices.”

Alan founded Farm It, an agritech startup leveraging AI, satellite imagery, and machine learning to provide real-time, customized farming advice. Initially starting with SMS-based alerts, his model has evolved to integrate precision farming tools that address soil health, plant issues, and efficient input use.

“Our farmers have seen up to 20% yield increases while reducing input costs by 30%. The demand for solutions that work is immense.”

Today, Farm It supports 7,000 smallholder farmers, and Alan sees technology as the key to addressing the agricultural extension gap in Kenya, where one officer serves up to 5,000 farmers instead of the recommended 1:400 ratio.

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2. Nancy Ija – CEO of Healthy Seaweed Company (Tanzania)
A marine scientist turned social entrepreneur, Nancy discovered the untapped potential of seaweed farming during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tanzania, the largest producer of seaweed in Africa, was exporting 99% of its harvest while local communities missed opportunities to consume and innovate around this nutritious resource.

“Seaweed has 92 of the 102 organic minerals the human body needs, yet it was almost invisible in our diets. I realized there was an opportunity to create value while empowering women farmers.”

Nancy’s Healthy Seaweed Company now works with 130 women farmers across Tanzania, innovating seaweed-based products such as gels, smoothies, and supplements. Starting in her kitchen, she developed 15 product lines, responding to increasing consumer demand for healthy, immune-boosting foods.

Her efforts have not only introduced seaweed to local markets but have also created jobs across the value chain, from farming to processing and marketing.

“Seaweed is the ocean’s carbon sink, supporting biodiversity and mitigating climate change. Our farming practices ensure sustainability while providing livelihoods for coastal communities.”

Nancy has also leveraged seaweed tourism to educate international delegates and boost awareness, turning her facility into a hub for innovation and learning.

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3. Anapa Ada Zibra – CEO of Famio Limited (Ghana)
From the northern farming communities of Ghana, Anapa grew up witnessing the struggles of smallholder farmers—single rainy seasons, poor access to inputs, and market inefficiencies. Determined to make farming profitable, she founded Famio Limited, offering modular “Green Kits”—low-cost greenhouses made from recycled materials that enable year-round vegetable farming.

“The Green Kit is a full-value chain solution. We build greenhouses, provide drip irrigation, train farmers, aggregate produce, and connect them to markets.”

Famio supports farmers from production to profit, integrating precision agriculture tools like USSD platforms for market insights and weather updates. By aligning production with market demands, Anapa ensures farmers achieve both food security and financial sustainability.

Her business has reached 3,000 farmers, employed 50 workers at peak seasons, and generated over $1 million in revenue last year.

“Our goal is to graduate smallholder farmers into sustainable agribusinesses. We don’t leave them behind; we grow with them.”

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Technology and Climate Resilience: A New Path Forward

Dr. Kalibata praised the panelists’ ability to combine innovation with practical solutions. Addressing Alan, Nancy, and Anapa, she highlighted how young Africans are rewriting the agricultural narrative:

“You didn’t see technology growing up, yet here you are—innovating, solving problems, and inspiring others. Agriculture is full of opportunities, and technology is how we will overcome challenges like climate change.”

The panelists also reflected on the climate crisis, which is disrupting traditional farming. Alan emphasized using technology to predict and mitigate weather shocks, while Nancy noted seaweed’s role as a carbon sink in combating climate change.

Dr. Kalibata delivered a sobering insight:

“Gen Z is the first generation living through full-throttle climate change. You are the answer. Your children will live in a 1.5-degree world. The innovations you’re building now will shape their future.”

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Creating Jobs and Empowering Communities

The entrepreneurs are not just building businesses—they are creating jobs:

• Alan: Employs Farm It Ambassadors, young graduates who train farmers and deliver solutions.
• Nancy: Employs 13 young people directly and supports over 100 individuals along the seaweed value chain.
• Anapa: Provides jobs in greenhouse construction, agronomic support, and produce aggregation.

“The youth are not just our future—they are the present,” Dr. Kalibata emphasized. “They’re solving problems, creating jobs, and driving innovation.”

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A Call to Action: Africa Food Systems Forum

Dr. Kalibata concluded the episode by urging young innovators to join the Africa Food Systems Forum on 5–6 September:

“Be there. You will find opportunities, networks, and platforms to scale your businesses. The Deal Room for youth is where you connect with investors and showcase your work.”

She emphasized that Africa’s food systems transformation depends on scaling these success stories to inspire millions of young people.

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The Future of Food Systems: A Shared Responsibility

As the episode drew to a close, co-hosts and panelists reflected on the African proverb:

“We are called to assist the Earth to heal itself. In doing so, we also heal ourselves.”

Young entrepreneurs like Alan, Nancy, and Anapa embody this spirit—driving sustainability, resilience, and opportunity across Africa’s food systems.

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KALIBANTER Episode 2 showcased the power of youth innovation to overcome systemic challenges in agriculture. By blending tradition with technology, these trailblazers are proving that smallholder farmers are the key to Africa’s food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.