Sahel Capital, through its Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA), has announced a $1 million debt investment in Persea Oil, an avocado oil producer with operations in Kenya and Tanzania.
The funding package includes $500,000 earmarked for working capital and another $500,000 to support capital expenditure initiatives.
Persea Oil operates processing facilities in both countries, offering consistent market access for avocado growers.
The company runs distinct processing lines for organic and conventional avocado oil, maintaining traceability across separate supply chains.
More than 800 smallholder farmers supply avocados to Persea, with the company advancing approximately 15% of procurement funds to them ahead of harvests to ease financial pressure.
All of Persea’s avocado oil output is exported, with the bulk destined for Spain and other markets across Europe.
Commenting on the investment, Zakayo Ngetich, Sahel Capital’s Vice President for East and Southern Africa, highlighted the strategic growth of avocado oil globally.
“Rising global demand for avocado oil, driven by increasing awareness of its health benefits and applications in food, skincare, and pharmaceuticals, has created a strong market. Kenya, with its ideal climate and fertile land, is well-positioned to serve this demand. Our renewed support for Persea reflects the company’s impressive trajectory since our initial investment in 2024,” he said.
The deal is expected to bolster Persea’s processing capacity and enhance its ability to support smallholder farmers while expanding its footprint in the international market.
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