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Ghana’s Oyster Agribusiness Gets Funding From Sahel Capital to Boost Smallholder Farmer Market Access

New Investments

Ghana's Oyster Agribusiness Gets Funding From Sahel Capital to Boost Smallholder Farmer Market Access

Sahel Capital, the fund manager for the Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA), has approved a term and working capital loan of approximately $610,000 to support Ghanaian-based Oyster Agribusiness.

Oyster Agribusiness is a key player in connecting smallholder farmers in the Kintampo region of Ghana to large fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies and export markets.

By bypassing traditional aggregators who often take a larger share of the profit margin, Oyster enables farmers to earn more from their produce.

The company currently partners with 4,500 farmers across the region.

Highlighting the significance of Oyster’s work, Deji Adebusoye, a partner at Sahel Capital, noted:

“Oyster Agribusiness is crucial in bridging the gap between rural farmers and FMCG companies that typically lack the infrastructure to source directly. Through Oyster’s efforts, these companies gain greater traceability and compliance with global standards while improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.”

Oyster Agribusiness has established a robust farmer database, providing transparency and enabling FMCG partners to trace the origin of their agricultural inputs.

This partnership also allows the companies to better assess the impact of their sourcing activities on the farmers’ well-being.

Edmond Kombat, CEO of Oyster Agribusiness, emphasized the enterprise’s mission to empower farmers who are often underpaid within the value chain. 

“We recognized the challenges farmers faced and set out to enhance their livelihoods by securing better market access and fair pricing. With SEFAA’s support, we aim to expand our reach and create more opportunities for farmers,” Kombat stated.

Since its inception, the company has onboarded 4,500 farmers and established relationships with 14 clients committed to directly purchasing commodities from its network.

Sahel Capital, a prominent agribusiness investment firm, manages two key funds: the Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN), which supports agribusiness SMEs in Nigeria, and SEFAA, which provides structured debt solutions to agribusiness SMEs across 13 sub-Saharan African countries.

The firm is also in the process of raising capital for a successor fund, the Sahel Capital Agribusiness Fund II, to explore further investment opportunities in West Africa.

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WTO Reappoints Nigeria’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for Second Term as Director-General

Key Developments

WTO Reappoints Nigeria's Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for Second Term as Director-General

The World Trade Organization (WTO) General Council has unanimously reappointed Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a second four-year term as Director-General.

Her new term will begin on September 1, 2025, extending her groundbreaking leadership as the first woman and first African to head the global trade body.

The reappointment process commenced on October 8, 2024, under the guidance of Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the WTO General Council.

With no additional nominations submitted by the November 8 deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stood unopposed.

Her candidacy was finalized during a special session of the General Council on November 28-29, 2024, following a presentation of her vision for the organization and a subsequent Q&A with member nations.

Ambassador Ølberg praised Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s achievements, highlighting her leadership through challenging periods.

“Her guidance has been instrumental in strengthening the WTO’s capacity and relevance,” he remarked.

Ølberg also acknowledged her commitment to fostering inclusivity and advancing a fair global trading system.

Since assuming office on March 1, 2021, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has made significant strides in rebuilding trust in the WTO and enhancing its role in addressing complex global trade issues. 

Her agenda includes strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms, promoting inclusive trade practices, and addressing emerging challenges like digital trade and climate adaptation.

Expressing her gratitude for the continued support, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stated:

“The WTO has a vital role in fostering economic resilience, and I am committed to driving reforms that reflect the needs of all members. Together, we will shape a fair, rules-based trading system that benefits everyone.”

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