Crops

AGRA announced a three-year investment of up to US$3mn in Seeds2B Africa. (Image source: USAID)

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently announced the contribution of US$9.95mn aimed at strengthening the Centre of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa (CESSA) to support the building of functional seed systems on the content

With a focus on forming strategic partnerships, CESSA serves as a one-stop centre to address challenges in African seed systems and accelerate the building of functional seed systems required for a food secure continent. The funding plays a key role in advancing the African Union's Seed Sector Action Plan (2020–2030).  

“Strengthening Africa’s seed systems is a fundamental component of the continental agenda in the newly endorsed Kampala Declaration and a priority for food security, resilience, and inclusive economic growth in African countries," said AGRA president, Dr Agnes Kalibata. "AGRA is pleased to deepen collaboration with USAID and other partners through CESSA, drawing on collective strengths, expertise, and portfolios to support this country-led agenda and develop the sector together.

AGRA announced a three-year investment of up to US$3mn in the Kenya-based enterprise Seeds2B Africa that will work to increase smallholder farmers’ resilience, incomes, food security, nutrition and ultimately improve their livelihoods in Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania. 

Tony Gathungu, global head of Seeds2B and CEO of Seeds2B Africa Social Enterprise emphasised the vital role of resilient seed systems in improving agriculture across sub-Saharan Africa. “Seeds2B Africa will drive the commercialisation of stress-tolerant, nutrient-dense, and market-preferred seeds while building the capacity of seed companies to generate demand and expand access," said Gathungu. "By equipping farmers with high-quality seeds and innovative tools, this initiative will enhance resilience, boost productivity, and improve livelihoods across the region.”

NaFarm Foods wins 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize for innovative food preservation solutions in Nigeria. (Image source: AETOSWire)

NaFarm Foods, an innovative agricultural solutions provider based in Kaduna, Nigeria, has been awarded the 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Food category

This prestigious award recognises the company’s exceptional efforts in combating post-harvest losses, improving food security, and advancing sustainable farming practices throughout Nigeria.

NaFarm Foods’ flagship innovation, the Hybrid Solar Food Dryer, addresses the critical issue of food spoilage by harnessing both solar heat and electricity generated from solar panels to ensure efficient drying, even in challenging weather conditions such as rain or clouds. With a drying capacity of 500kg per unit, the dryer retains the nutritional quality of food while minimising energy costs. The technology has already benefitted over 80 communities across six Nigerian states, significantly reducing post-harvest losses for more than 65,000 farmers and contributing to food security and rural economic empowerment.

Dr Lamya Fawwaz, director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, praised NaFarm Foods for its impactful solution, commented, “NaFarm Foods’ innovative approach to sustainable food preservation not only improves food security but also empowers rural communities, particularly women and youth, by creating income-generating opportunities. This aligns with the Prize’s mission to drive progress and improve livelihoods.”

Fatima Jimoh, CEO of NaFarm Foods, expressed, “We are deeply honoured to be recognised as a winner of the Zayed Sustainability Prize. It signifies global recognition of our efforts to tackle food insecurity and promote equitable and sustainable agriculture in Nigeria and beyond. This opportunity inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, knowing that our work is not only transforming lives locally but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. For us, this is more than an achievement, it’s a call to action to drive greater impact.”

The Hybrid Solar Food Dryer offers a solution to food preservation challenges by reducing spoilage rates, cutting greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing food, and lowering dependence on fossil fuels. With a whole-of-life cost of less than 1 cent per 100 litres, the dryers are affordable and viable for smallholder farmers and food processors. By 2030, NaFarm Foods aims to empower two million farmers and cut carbon emissions by 50,000 metric tonnes annually.

The US$1mn prize will enable NaFarm Foods to scale operations, producing and distributing 100,000 dryers across Nigeria and West Africa. The company also plans to expand training programmes to empower 25,000 women and youth, fostering entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable economic growth. NaFarm Foods intends to establish distribution hubs and implement advanced cluster mapping systems to ensure broader access to its technology and enhance the marketability of agricultural produce.

Sistema.bio secures US$3.5mn from Novastar Ventures to expand biogas solutions for farmers, driving sustainable growth and climate resilience. (Image source:

Sistema.bio, a global leader in biogas technology, financing, and services for family farmers, has announced Novastar Ventures as its latest investor

Novastar participated in Sistema.bio’s recent internal financing round, contributing US$3.5mn of the total US$7.75mn raised. This investment will help accelerate Sistema.bio’s expansion into new African markets, new agricultural and energy products, and support its overall growth.

Joyce Cacho, board chairman of Sistema.bio, stated, “Novastar Ventures’ investment strengthens Sistema.bio’s mission to empower low-resourced farmers with sustainable solutions that drive economic growth, climate resilience, and regenerative agriculture. Together, we are scaling impactful technologies that benefit both people and the planet.”

Novastar’s contribution supports Sistema.bio’s efforts to empower family farmers through innovative technology and financing that transforms farm waste into renewable energy and fertilizer. Steve Beck, co-founder and managing partner at Novastar, emphasised, “Sistema.bio’s innovative technology and financing empowers family farmers to transform farm waste into renewable energy and fertilizer. This unlocks economic, health, and productivity benefits for farmers, building their resilience to climate change while reducing substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Sistema.bio is the first investment from our third fund, the Novastar Ventures Africa People and Planet Fund III (NVIII), which invests in transformative businesses that align the economic interests of Africa’s growing population with planet-positive technologies. We are excited to partner with Sistema.bio at this inflection point, as the company unlocks carbon markets to accelerate growth and serve more farmers with the tools to build resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural systems.”

Sistema.bio’s biogas systems and digital MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) technology align closely with Novastar’s mission to work with bold entrepreneurs in Africa, creating lasting value for both people and the planet.

Alex Eaton, CEO and co-founder of Sistema.bio, added, “We have known the Novastar team for some time and are excited to welcome them now to Sistema.bio’s family of investors. Their investment bolsters our ambition to scale our services across Africa, empowering even more farmers with impactful solutions. It also reinforces our commitment to climate action as we work toward achieving a 1% reduction in annual global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.”

Along with Novastar’s contribution, Sistema.bio has raised a total of US$18.5mn in 2024, with a focus on expanding geographically and adding new products. This funding will address the global demand for renewable energy, promote regenerative agriculture, and support carbon emission reduction initiatives. The investment sets the stage for Sistema.bio’s anticipated Series C round, helping the company continue leading in biogas technology and advancing its mission to support smallholder farmers worldwide.

The partnership will focus on implementing best-in-class agricultural practices, capacity building programmes as well as undertaking comprehensive vegetable seed trials. (Image source: Bayer)

Building on their successful collaboration announced in 2023, Silal and Bayer have expanded their strategic partnership through a detailed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in Dubai

The MoU outlines an ambitious programme of collaboration through 2028, focusing on four key initiatives designed to advance agricultural practices in arid environments around the world like the UAE, with both organisations aiming to contribute meaningfully to the region’s National Food Security, while also addressing climate change challenges.  

The partnership will also scale up agricultural capacity building through Bayer's BayG.A.P. programme, with particular emphasis on regenerative agriculture practices suitable for arid climates. A key innovation in this phase includes the implementation of digital monitoring and verification platforms to ensure the effective adoption of sustainable farming practices. Additionally, the collaboration encompasses the extension of comprehensive vegetable seed trials aimed at identifying crops better suited to local growing conditions and market demands.

Hugo Hagen, Senior Bayer Representative – Middle East at Bayer, stated: "The signing of this MoU represents a major step forward in our partnership with Silal. This detailed framework allows us to bring together Bayer's global expertise in sustainable agriculture with Silal's deep understanding of local agricultural challenges, advancing our mission of ‘Health for all, Hunger for none’ while addressing critical climate challenges."