African agritech startups are revolutionizing farming by combining technology with local knowledge to support smallholder farmers. Companies like Agrix Tech, Aerobotics, Women Smiles Uganda, and SAYeTECH are tackling challenges from pest control to post-harvest losses. Their innovative solutions range from AI-powered apps to smart machinery and urban vertical farms. These ventures not only improve productivity but also empower communities and promote sustainable agriculture across the continent.

Agrix Tech (Cameroon) — Founded in 2018

Agrix Tech created a smartphone app that helps small farmers spot and fight crop diseases and pests. Farmers just take a photo of their sick plants, and the app uses artificial intelligence (AI) to tell them what’s wrong and how to fix it — whether by using chemicals or natural methods. The app offers advice both by text and voice, even in local African languages, so everyone can understand it. Besides fighting diseases, the app guides farmers through the whole farming process—from planting seeds to storing crops—giving helpful tips and reminders. It also helps farmers pick the best crops for their land and climate, check on their plants’ health, and get expert advice.

Agrix Tech raised $500,000 to start from investors and Cameroon’s Ministry of Agriculture. They’ve also received grants before and are looking for more money ($580,000) to grow bigger. They make money by charging banks $60 for every loan they help give to farmers, taking a small cut when farmers sell crops through their marketplace, selling ads to agricultural businesses, and licensing their app to farm consultants. By 2024, over 1,100 farmers (40% women) in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Ghana use their app, and they are reported to have helped 124,000 farmers get loans.

Aerobotics (South Africa) — Founded in 2014

Aerobotics uses drones, satellite pictures, and AI to help farmers grow fruit and nuts better. Their system takes high-quality pictures from above and creates detailed maps showing where plants might have problems like pests, diseases, or water issues. This helps farmers act quickly, use fewer chemicals and water, and get bigger harvests. The platform gives weekly updates and easy-to-understand advice, so farmers can take care of their crops in a smart and efficient way.

Aerobotics raised over $21 million in funding, including rounds led by big investors like Naspers Foundry. Their business is growing fast, especially in the U.S., and they have customers in more than 18 countries. Although exact earnings are not public, their big funding and expansion show they’re doing well.

Women Smiles Uganda (Uganda) — Founded in 2018

Women Smiles Uganda builds special vertical farms made from wood and recycled plastic that can grow up to 200 plants in a small space. These farms can spin around to catch sunlight and have drip watering systems and greenhouses to protect plants from bad weather. They can be placed on rooftops, balconies, or indoors, so people can farm year-round even in crowded cities. The company trains mainly women’s groups on making organic fertilizer and helps them grow food. Women Smiles buys the fresh food from these farmers and sells it to local restaurants, schools, and hotels. This helps women earn money, promotes urban farming, and fights food shortages.

Women Smiles Uganda works mostly as a non-profit, supported by grants and awards from foundations like the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the Obama Foundation. They earn some money by selling the vertical farms ($35 each) and reselling produce. They have helped over 5,000 people in Kampala and nearby cities, focusing on empowering women and young people.

SAYeTECH (Ghana) — Founded in 2018

SAYeTECH is a Ghanaian agritech company dedicated to transforming smallholder farming through the development of smart agricultural machinery. Their products include the ST-6000 Gen II Multi-Crop Thresher, a Cocoa Pod Breaking Machine, and a Solar-Powered Grain Processor, among others. These machines are designed to be durable, efficient, and tailored to the specific needs of African farmers, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses and improve productivity. SAYeTECH also integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technology into their equipment, allowing for remote monitoring and data collection to optimize machine performance and maintenance. Beyond manufacturing, the company provides direct services to farmers, employing local youth as machine operators and offering training to enhance agricultural skills within communities.

SAYeTECH has secured significant funding to support its growth and impact. This includes $100,000 in seed funding in 2023, led by AgFunder, which helped facilitate field trials and product development. Additionally, they won a $50,000 equity investment through the 2024 MEST Africa Challenge, aimed at accelerating operations and expanding their reach.

While specific annual revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, SAYeTECH has made notable progress. They have manufactured over 180 pieces of agricultural equipment and served more than 17,000 smallholder farmers across Ghana, Nigeria, and Niger. The company has also collaborated with organizations such as the Soybean Innovation Lab (USAID), Catholic Relief Services, and various vocational training institutions in Africa.