FPT powers New DEUTZ-FAHR 8 Series TTV with N67 Engine. (Image credit: FTP)

FPT Industrial has strengthened its leadership in the global agricultural machinery market with a major new milestone: the supply of its renowned N67 engine for the newly launched DEUTZ-FAHR 8 Series TTV.

Revealed at Agritechnica 2025, this partnership between FPT - the Iveco Group’s powertrain specialist and SDF, one of Europe’s most respected agricultural machinery manufacturers, marks a significant advancement in next-generation farming technology.

DEUTZ-FAHR, a flagship brand under the SDF umbrella, is known worldwide for precision engineering, premium performance and cutting-edge agricultural solutions. Its latest 8 Series TTV tractor sets a new benchmark in the industry, delivering improved comfort, advanced digital intelligence and powerful, efficient operation tailored for today’s demanding farming environments.

At the core of this high-performance machine lies FPT’s N67 engine, selected for its market-leading power density, exceptional efficiency and proven reliability. Its compact architecture enhances manoeuvrability, while the engine’s seamless integration with the new tractor platform ensures outstanding responsiveness even under the toughest workloads. Compatibility with HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and an extended 1,000-hour oil change interval reflect FPT’s commitment to sustainability and reduced running costs both key priorities for modern agricultural operations.

In collaboration with SDF, FPT co-developed a structural oil pan and integrated engine management software to meet the precise requirements of the 8 Series TTV, ensuring superior durability and optimised performance. The N67’s six-cylinder configuration and extensive customisation options make it a versatile solution for a wide range of mid-range agricultural applications.
The engine is part of FPT’s acclaimed NEF Series, an industry benchmark for its EGR-free combustion, patented HI-eSCR2 after-treatment technology, and market-leading productivity. Since its debut in 2001, over two million NEF engines have powered tractors, construction machinery, marine vessels and power generation systems - a testament to the brand’s engineering excellence and long-term dependability.

As FPT marks over 100 years of powering agricultural innovation, this partnership further reinforces its status as a preferred global powertrain supplier. The agreement not only celebrates FPT’s heritage but also reflects its commitment to driving the future of sustainable, intelligent agriculture.

“We could not have celebrated Agritechnica in a better way. This new partnership with the DEUTZ-FAHR brand is a clear sign that we are recognized as a strong and reliable partner in the industry,” stated Sylvain Blaise, President of Iveco Group’s Powertrain Business Unit. “As a company, we have always worked with our customers’ needs in mind and with innovation at the core of everything we do… We are confident it will pave the way for future achievements together.”

“To achieve the performance standards we set for this new generation of tractors, we engaged in a strategic co-development partnership with FPT…” added Alessandro Maritano, SDF Chief Commercial Officer.

Senegal boosts plant protection with new drone technology.

Senegal is taking a major leap in modernising its agricultural pest-control systems.

The Direction de la Protection des Végétaux (DPV) has introduced six “new-generation” drones to strengthen surveillance and phytosanitary operations across the country. This initiative marks the first time drones are being deployed in Senegal’s plant-protection efforts and underscores the nation’s growing commitment to leveraging technology in agriculture.

According to a communication from the Ministry of Agriculture, the drones are capable of covering 25 hectares of farmland per hour, enabling the DPV which has overseen crop monitoring and phytosanitary control since 1974  to carry out its operations with far greater efficiency and precision.

Beyond increasing productivity, the drones are designed to make fieldwork safer for staff. The DPV emphasised that the technology will “reduce staff exposure to chemical treatments, improve response times, and elevate the overall quality of interventions.” This innovation not only accelerates pest control measures but also ensures that interventions are more targeted and environmentally responsible.

The successful integration of drones into Senegal’s agricultural system is credited to a strategic partnership with the country’s Air Force. Under the leadership of Colonel Ousmane Ngom, a dedicated team of remote pilots and technicians has been trained to operate these advanced machines, ensuring that the technology is used effectively and safely.

The introduction of drones is particularly timely given the ongoing pest challenges facing Senegalese agriculture. In its 2023 report, the DPV highlighted the spread of the Fall Armyworm, which was first detected in Senegal in 2018 and continues to migrate between departments, posing a significant threat to maize crops. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this pest alone accounts for losses of approximately 18 million tonnes of maize annually across Africa.

In addition to the Fall Armyworm, the DPV continues to monitor other damaging pests, including locusts, blister beetles, and fruit flies  the latter of which is especially destructive for mango production.

For Senegal, the adoption of drone technology represents a clear shift towards precision agriculture and modern farming practices. The country aims to enhance food security, improve agricultural resilience, and deliver faster, safer, and more effective pest control measures. As the DPV deploys these aerial tools for the first time, Senegal is positioning itself at the forefront of agricultural innovation in West Africa.

Zamfara, MOFI partner on mechanised farming.

Zamfara State has taken a major step towards reshaping its agricultural future, as Governor Dr Dauda Lawal formalised a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

The agreement aims to accelerate large-scale mechanised farming, agro-industrial development, and modern agricultural practices across the state.

The deal was sealed during the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days 2025, held from 26 to 28 November in Rabat, Morocco. The forum, widely recognised as a premier platform for advancing investment-ready projects across the continent, brought together African investors, financiers, and policymakers to fast-track funding partnerships. According to Governor Lawal’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the gathering allowed governments and investors to negotiate directly and push major economic initiatives towards implementation.

Organised by the African Development Bank in collaboration with six founding institutions, the AIF Market Days served as a multidisciplinary space for unlocking capital, strengthening private-sector engagement, and enhancing collaboration on Africa’s development priorities. Governor Lawal participated in several high-level discussions centred around boosting private investment, expanding public-private partnerships, and raising domestic financing for long-term growth.

Speaking on the new agreement, the governor’s spokesperson noted its strategic importance, explaining that “The agreement positions Zamfara State as a key beneficiary of the Integranium Agricultural Transformation Initiative—a national programme focusing on mechanised farming, agro-processing, post-harvest systems, and global market access.” The arrangement provides a clear division of responsibilities: “Under the MoU, Zamfara will provide land, infrastructure, security, and a supportive policy environment, while MOFI takes the lead on financing, investor engagement, and project development support.”

This partnership is expected to unlock new employment opportunities, enhance food security, strengthen agricultural value chains, and support inclusive economic growth across Zamfara and the wider North-West region. The focus on mechanisation, modern processing, and market expansion places Zamfara in a strong position to attract global and local agribusiness investors.

During a roundtable session with international investors, Governor Lawal portrayed Zamfara as a rapidly developing agricultural destination. He highlighted major projects underway in the state, including an international cargo airport, a luxury five-star hotel, and significant urban renewal efforts. Emphasising Zamfara’s natural strengths, he said, “I am glad that the African Development Bank is here with other leading international investors. Agriculture is the way forward for Africa, Nigeria, and especially Zamfara State. We have fertile land and grow a variety of crops—our comparative advantage is clear. I invite all global investors to Zamfara.”

With this partnership now in motion, Zamfara positions itself for a new era of agricultural transformation driven by mechanisation, investment, and sustainable growth.

South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and the DRC, the platform continues to expand opportunities for women shaping Africa’s digital future.(Image credit: Naspers and Prosus)

Five pioneering African female founders have been awarded more than US$100,000 in equity-free funding after emerging as winners of the Naspers–Prosus Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge, a competition created to spotlight women who are building technology solutions for real market needs across the continent.

The final event, held on 19 November 2025 in Johannesburg, brought together ten exceptional women founders representing a range of dynamic sectors including agritech, healthtech, climate technology, fintech, AI, and sustainable manufacturing. The timing of the finale aligned intentionally with Global Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, South Africa’s G20 Presidency, and the B20 Summit, amplifying the significance of the announcement on a global stage.

Interest in the Challenge was substantial, with 1,163 applications received from tech entrepreneurs across Africa during the one-month application window. This overwhelming response reflects not only the depth of innovation on the continent but also the growing momentum of Africa’s digital economy, projected to reach US$180bn by 2025. Despite this growth, women remain significantly underfunded, with female founders facing a US$42bn financing gap, a barrier the Challenge aims to help narrow.

Celebrating this year’s winners, Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, South Africa CEO and Executive Director of Naspers and Prosus, highlighted the exceptional calibre of talent on display. “I’m immensely proud of our overall winner, Esther Kimani, who brings agricultural innovation through AI-powered pest detection solutions, as well as all the finalists who demonstrated their phenomenal tech solutions today - congratulations!” she said. “The winners represent the next generation of technology leaders building viable businesses that solve real problems across Africa and I can’t wait to witness their growth going-forward.”

Her comments were echoed by Prajna Khanna, Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President at Prosus and Naspers, who emphasised the potential of women entrepreneurs on the continent. “We received 1,163 applications from across the African continent, and the depth of talent was remarkable,” she said. “These founders are building real businesses with proven models that address significant market opportunities.”

The Challenge, developed with Lionesses of Africa, a community of 1.8 million women entrepreneurs, provides not only financial support but mentorship from seasoned investors, access to institutional networks, and guidance on scaling businesses across African markets. With finalists from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and the DRC, the platform continues to expand opportunities for women shaping Africa’s digital future.