Agriculture

AfDB Boosts African Growth Businesses with Strategic Fund Investment (Image credit: African Development Bank)

The African Development Bank Group has pledged US$15mn to the SPE PEF III private equity fund, signalling strong support for businesses that are ready to move beyond their early stages and expand across Africa

This step reflects a wider ambition to strengthen the private sector by helping mid sized companies that often face difficulty securing long term funding.

Managed by SPE Capital, the SPE PEF III fund is primarily focused on North Africa, while also exploring promising opportunities in parts of sub Saharan Africa. Its purpose is straightforward: to provide financial backing to companies that want to grow, enter new markets, and improve how they operate. By focusing on this phase of development, the fund fills an important gap between early stage investment and large scale corporate financing.

The investment approach centres on sectors that are seen as essential for long term economic progress. Industrial activity is one of the main priorities, covering areas such as manufacturing, packaging, and food processing. These industries play a key role in strengthening local production and reducing reliance on imports. Another focus lies in business and industrial services, including logistics, outsourcing, and financial technology, which help companies operate more efficiently. The third area is human capital, which includes healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and education, all vital for both social wellbeing and economic stability.

Beyond direct funding, the investment is expected to attract further interest from other investors. Institutions like the African Development Bank often act as early supporters, helping to reduce risk and encourage wider private sector involvement. This can lead to increased flows of capital into African markets and a more active investment environment.

Overall, the move supports the Bank’s broader mission to drive economic growth, create jobs, and expand business opportunities across the continent. By improving access to finance and backing key industries, this initiative is set to help African businesses grow in a steady and sustainable way while becoming more competitive in regional and global markets.

Morocco steps forward in global agriculture support programme

Morocco has been named among seven priority countries under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) “Food for Progress” program for 2026, a major initiative valued at US$226mn aimed at boosting agricultural development and trade

This decision places Morocco in a strong position to benefit from international support focused on strengthening its agricultural future.

The programme is built to encourage agricultural productivity, infrastructure development, and stronger value chains across developing economies. What makes it distinct is its trade based mechanism, where the United States sells its agricultural goods within partner nations and reinvests the funds into local development projects. This model supports farmers on the ground while also creating new trade opportunities.

Morocco joins a diverse group of countries including Bangladesh, Bolivia, Ecuador, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Each nation will take part in programmes lasting around five years, with funding generally ranging between US$28mn and US$35mn.

While the exact areas of focus in Morocco are yet to be confirmed, attention is expected to fall on pressing agricultural needs. These include improved irrigation systems, climate resilient farming methods, and better access to markets. Such efforts are particularly important as the country has experienced several years of drought, placing strain on both production and water supply.

Morocco’s inclusion also reflects its wider importance in global agriculture. It remains one of Africa’s largest importers of food, showing strong and rising demand. At the same time, it plays a key role as a major exporter of phosphate fertilisers, which are essential to farming systems around the world.

More broadly, the programme connects development with trade growth, encouraging modern farming practices and stronger private sector involvement. For Morocco, this support is expected to improve productivity, build resilience, and support long term economic progress. It also strengthens ties with the United States, marking a step forward in shared agricultural goals.

The growing strength of Africa’s livestock sector

The livestock section of African Agribusiness offers a clear window into the changing landscape of animal farming across the continent. It brings together updates and insights on cattle, poultry, pigs, and small ruminants, while exploring key areas such as production, investment, technology, and policy

The section reads less like a static report and more like an ongoing story of a sector that continues to evolve with time.

One of the most striking themes is the economic importance of livestock. Across many African nations, livestock remains deeply tied to livelihoods, national income, and food security. In countries like Tanzania, the sector supports millions of people and plays a meaningful role in daily life. Rising demand for meat and dairy products has encouraged growth in animal populations and output, reflecting both changing diets and gradual improvements in farming practices.

Attention is also given to investment and funding initiatives that are helping reshape the industry. Governments and financial institutions are increasingly directing resources into livestock development. These efforts often focus on smallholder farmers, helping them move beyond subsistence farming into more stable and profitable systems, while also creating employment in rural areas.

At the same time, technological innovation is quietly transforming traditional practices. From digital tracking systems to better breeding methods, farmers are gaining tools that improve efficiency and animal health. These changes are also opening doors to financial services, making it easier for farmers to access credit and manage risk.

However, the sector continues to face challenges in animal health and disease management. Outbreaks such as avian influenza and African swine fever remain a concern, making strong veterinary systems and regional cooperation essential.

Trade patterns also shape the industry, with imports from countries like Brazil highlighting both demand and gaps in local supply. Alongside this, issues like climate change and feed shortages continue to test resilience.

Overall, the section presents livestock as a vital and steadily developing part of Africa’s future.

Katsina launches fertiliser scheme to strengthen 2026 farming season

The Katsina State Government has rolled out its 2026 fertiliser distribution programme, aiming to support farmers ahead of the rainy season and improve food production across the state

The initiative will supply subsidised fertiliser to farmers in 6,652 polling units, ensuring wider reach and easier access.

Governor Dikko Radda officially launched the programme in Malumfashi, describing it as part of his administration’s strong focus on food security and better living standards for rural communities. He explained that fertiliser would be sold at a subsidised rate of ₦25,000 per bag. To make the process more transparent and fair, distribution has been decentralised so that genuine farmers can access supplies directly without interference from middlemen.

The governor outlined how the fertiliser would be shared across the state. Funtua Zone is set to receive 60 bags per polling unit, Katsina Zone will get 50 bags, while Daura Zone will receive 45 bags per unit. In addition, 10 large scale farmers in each of the 361 wards will benefit from the programme.

Beyond fertiliser distribution, the government is taking a broader approach to agriculture. This includes providing tractors, hand tillers, irrigation systems and other essential inputs to increase productivity. Governor Radda revealed that more than 3,000 tube wells are currently being drilled at no cost to farmers, while thousands of solar and petrol powered pumps have already been distributed to encourage farming throughout the year.

He also noted that 361 young people are undergoing training in modern farming methods and agribusiness, preparing a new generation to sustain growth in the sector.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Lawal Aliyu Shargalle, said the programme is part of a wider effort to revive agriculture in the state and assured that strict monitoring would be in place to maintain transparency.

Community Development Programme Coordinator Kamaldeen Kabir praised the governor’s efforts, saying, “His Excellency has, over the years, done tremendous work in improving the livelihoods and strengthening the rural economy of the state,” Kabir said.

He added, “With the introduction of these hand-powered tillers, the situation has improved considerably, making farming easier and more accessible for the common man,” Kabir said.