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COOKO, an innovative AgTech startup based in Cameroon, has raised $872,000 in pre-seed funding to revolutionize the country’s cocoa value chain.
The funding round, led by a US family office, will see COOKO bring about significant advancements and sustainability in Cameroon’s cocoa industry.
COOKO aims to address critical challenges cocoa farmers face in Cameroon, including low productivity, supply chain inefficiencies, and climate change’s adverse impact.
With this recent investment, the startup plans to deploy cutting-edge technologies and implement sustainable practices to transform how cocoa is grown, harvested, processed, and marketed. COOKO’s innovative approach involves leveraging technology, data analytics, and precision farming techniques to optimize cocoa cultivation. The startup plans to provide farmers with access to crucial data and insights that can enhance crop management, improve yield, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Additionally, COOKO plans to establish a digital platform that connects cocoa farmers directly with buyers, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring fair prices for their produce.

Village Capital has made its first investments through the Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF), deploying $350,000 into two startups in Ghana as the nonprofit deepens its push to support early-stage African businesses tackling essential everyday challenges.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has announced an investment of $50 million in a new fund by LeapFrog Investments.

Norway’s development finance institution, Norfund, has pledged up to US$6 million to support the farmer-led acquisition of Langeberg Foods, a major South African canned fruit producer.