Mobile tools, solar cold storage, and AI are reshaping W. African farming, new report shows

WEST AFRICA – MEST Africa has released a new AgriTech report that examines how technology-led businesses reshape farming across West Africa, with a focus on local solutions, early stage startups, and investment needs.

The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology, known as MEST Africa, published the MEST Africa AgriTech Report as part of the 2024 MEST Africa Challenge. The initiative ran in partnership with the Norwegian Embassy in Accra.

The report reviews activity in Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Benin and draws on market data and case studies from more than 40 startups.

The report explains how founders apply mobile tools, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things devices, and solar powered systems to reduce crop losses, improve access to markets, and close financing gaps that affect smallholder farmers.

“Agriculture has always been the backbone of West Africa’s economy, but today we’re seeing the emergence of a new chapter; one driven by innovation, local ingenuity, and technology,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor and MEST Africa Challenge Lead at MEST Africa.

“This report captures that transformation and calls for greater collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to ensure the promise of AgriTech benefits every farmer.”

Startups showing on the ground results

The report highlights startups that already show clear results. Ghana based SAYeTECH, winner of the 2024 MEST Africa Challenge, builds farm tools designed for local use.

In Nigeria, ColdHubs runs solar powered cold rooms that have helped save more than 40,000 tons of fresh produce from spoilage.

These examples show how founders respond to real farm level problems using practical tools that fit local conditions. The report also notes the role of support groups such as MEST Africa, Kosmos Innovation Center, and CcHUB in training founders and offering early funding.

Despite this progress, AgriTech still receives only about 4 percent of all venture funding across Africa. The report points to this gap as a major opening for investors who want to support food security and income growth.

“Our goal with this report is not only to spotlight innovation but to drive collaboration,” Ravichandran said. “By investing in data, infrastructure, and people, Africa’s AgriTech ecosystem can scale sustainably; ensuring technology works for the farmer first.”

Building on long term support

Since 2008, MEST Africa has trained and supported more than 2,000 entrepreneurs and invested in over 90 startups. The MEST Africa Challenge remains its main pan African pitch program focused on finding and backing strong technology ventures.

The new report adds to recent efforts by MEST Africa to guide investors, founders, and public agencies toward practical solutions that strengthen food systems across the region.

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