Sahel Capital commits fresh funds to strengthen Benin’s crop supply chains

BENIN – Sahel Capital has announced fresh financing for MM Lekker, a crop supply and trading company in Benin.

The Nigeria-based fund manager confirmed on December 9 that it will provide an extra US$800,000 to help the business improve its operations and widen its reach among smallholder farmers.

The new financing builds on an earlier US$400,000 loan issued in March 2025. This brings the total backing from the Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa to US$1.2 million. MM Lekker trades soybeans, shea nuts and cashew nuts, and works directly with farmers across different regions in Benin.

The company says the new capital will help it improve efficiency across its supply chain and expand its sourcing network. CEO Ahimakin Armel Théodore welcomed the latest loan and said it will support plans to grow the business in a steady and practical way.

“This new facility will allow us to expand our operations, improve the efficiency of our supply chain and continue to provide better business opportunities for our farmers,” he said.

He added that this support matters for thousands of producers who rely on the crop trade. “Smallholder farmers are the backbone of Benin’s agricultural landscape, but they face persistent challenges such as limited market access, price instability and fragmentation of value chains. Thanks to SEFAA’s funding and capacity building assistance, we have been able to strengthen our internal systems, improve our governance and deepen our engagement with farming communities.”

The company explains that its network of partner farmers has grown from about 1000 producers in March to more than 2500 this year. It credits the rise to targeted training, structured engagement and better field support.

Training and logistics support for farmers

Sahel Capital’s involvement goes beyond funding. MM Lekker receives technical support to improve internal processes and strengthen governance.

The company then transfers this knowledge to its farmers and trains them on good practices that raise product quality and output. This step is important for crop exports, since foreign buyers need consistent quality across all shipments.

MM Lekker also supports farmers through logistics services such as storage and post-harvest handling. The company reports that these services reduce crop losses, improve margins and give farmers more control over their income.

Sahel Capital grows its presence in Francophone Africa

The investment in MM Lekker fits into Sahel Capital’s broader goal to grow its work in French-speaking African markets. The fund has made three other investments in the region this year. In April, it invested US$500,000 in Tafalo, an Ivorian trader focused on soybeans, sesame and rice.

In August, Cameroonian firm Nulla Group received a US$1.5 million loan. Nulla Group works in maize aggregation and processing and is led by women.

Through these investments, Sahel Capital aims to support agribusinesses that work directly with local producers and help them reach larger markets.

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