A new report released by the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) reveals a surge in local innovation aimed at transforming the West African agricultural landscape. The MEST Africa AgriTech Report highlights how entrepreneurs are deploying sophisticated tech tools to overcome long-standing systemic hurdles.
The findings, produced in partnership with the Norwegian Embassy in Accra, detail a shift toward a more resilient, tech-driven food system across Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Benin.
Local innovators are implementing a diverse toolkit of modern technologies to solve specific pain points for African farmers. They use Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things to optimize crop yields and monitor soil health in real-time. Mobile technology is bridging the financing gap and connecting farmers directly to buyers to eliminate market inefficiencies. Solar-powered systems address post-harvest losses through sustainable infrastructure. Entrepreneurs are also developing localized mechanization hardware specifically designed for the unique terrain and needs of West African soil.
The report spotlights over 40 startups making a measurable impact. For example, the 2024 MEST Africa Challenge winner, SAYeTECH in Ghana, manufactures specialized mechanization tools for local use. Additionally, Nigeria’s ColdHubs utilizes solar-powered cold rooms to save over 40,000 tons of produce from spoilage.
“This report captures a transformation driven by local ingenuity. We are calling for greater collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to ensure technology works for the farmer first.” Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor and MAC Lead, MEST Africa.
Despite the clear impact of these tech tools, the report identifies a significant “untapped opportunity” for the global investment community. Currently, AgriTech attracts only about 4% of Africa’s total venture funding. While ecosystem enablers like MEST Africa, the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), and CcHUB provide essential seed capital and training, a massive scale-up is required to ensure food security and inclusive growth across the continent.