Sahel Capital has provided a $400,000 working capital loan to MM LEKKER through its Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA), aiming to strengthen agricultural trade and smallholder farmer support in Benin.
MM LEKKER, a company based in Benin, focuses on trading agricultural commodities such as soya beans, shea nuts, and cashew nuts.
The company operates in both domestic and international markets while working closely with smallholder farmers in northern Benin to enhance their market access and financial stability.
Additionally, MM LEKKER offers storage solutions to reduce post-harvest losses, helping farmers secure better pricing for their produce.
Aicha Haidara, vice president at Sahel Capital, highlighted the significance of MM LEKKER’s operations, emphasizing its role in eliminating multiple intermediaries that often limit farmers’ profits.
“The agricultural supply chain in Benin is highly fragmented. MM LEKKER’s direct-to-market approach enables farmers to secure fairer prices and reinvest in their future harvests,” Haidara noted.
She also underscored the importance of fostering sustainable economic growth in Benin’s agricultural sector.
Ahimakin Armel Theodore, CEO of MM LEKKER, acknowledged the challenges that smallholder farmers face, including price instability and limited market access.
He emphasized that MM LEKKER has successfully connected over 1,000 farmers to buyers, facilitating improved trade opportunities and financial stability.
“This partnership with SEFAA is a significant step towards scaling our impact, optimizing supply chains, and strengthening farmers’ livelihoods. Our goal is to create a more efficient and inclusive agricultural trade system in Benin,” Theodore stated.
The investment from Sahel Capital is expected to enhance MM LEKKER’s capacity to support smallholder farmers, improve market efficiency, and drive sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
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