Led by the Catalyst Fund, a group of investors committed to sustainable agriculture and rural prosperity, the funding will fuel Zebra CropBank’s expansion and empower farmers.
The investment targets scaling Zebra CropBank’s operations, primarily through deploying solar-powered micro-warehouses and strengthening its integrated trading platforms.
This addresses key challenges faced by smallholder farmers: limited storage capabilities, weak market linkages, and climate change vulnerability.
Zebra CropBank’s innovative model relies on constructing and leasing solar-powered micro-warehouses near farming communities.
These facilities enable farmers to securely store and insure their harvests, while a USSD platform ensures transparent storage and trading.
The impact is already tangible, with farmers experiencing up to 90% income increases and minimized storage losses.
Investors were drawn to Zebra CropBank’s potential for significant positive impact, recognizing its fact-based approach to tackling multifaceted challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
Its unique focus on post-harvest solutions – storage and market access – sets it apart in the agritech sector.
Currently operating in Enugu State with five established micro-warehouses and 1,400 registered farmers, Zebra CropBank offers climate-smart solutions tailored to smallholder needs.
“We are delighted to partner with ISA to support the development of solar energy in Africa,” said Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50. “This partnership will help to accelerate the deployment of solar energy in Africa and improve the lives of millions of Africans,” he added.
Pan-African mobility fintech startup Moove has secured $100 million in a Series B funding round, valuing the company at $750 million.
Sweden’s development finance institution, Swedfund, has pledged €40 million to improve infrastructure in Africa, the Levant, and South and Southeast Asia.
The UK government, in partnership with FSD Africa, has unveiled a KSH 667 million ($5.2 million) initiative to improve financing access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya.
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