This fresh support builds on an earlier working-capital loan of US$400,000 provided earlier this year.

MM LEKKER operates in the nuts and oilseeds segment, sourcing soya beans, shea nuts, and cashew nuts for supply to both local and global markets.

Since the original SEFAA investment, the firm’s network of smallholder farmers has grown substantially — expanding from around 1,000 to more than 2,500 farmers today.

According to Aïcha Haidara, Vice President at Sahel Capital, MM LEKKER’s progress is a compelling example of how agribusinesses can strengthen smallholder inclusion in Benin’s agriculture sector.

With SEFAA’s backing, the company is helping bring farmers directly into supply chains, cutting out unnecessary intermediaries.

In response, MM LEKKER’s Chief Executive, Ahimakin Armel Theodore, said smallholder farmers in Benin remain constrained by limited market access, price volatility, and fragmented value chains.

He noted that with SEFAA’s financial support and capacity-building assistance, MM LEKKER has improved its internal systems, enhanced governance, and deepened its engagement with farming communities. The expansion to over 2,500 farmers marks a key milestone.

The new funding will help the firm scale up operations, streamline its supply chain, and offer better trading opportunities to its farmer partners.

This investment from SEFAA comes at a time when smallholder-led cashew, shea and other nut sectors are gaining prominence across Benin and the wider region.

Agriculture remains central to Benin’s economy — many farmers operate small plots growing crops such as cashew nuts, cassava and beans, with cashew, in particular, playing a major role in the country’s export earnings.