Oikocredit invests in Ghana-based Farmerline
Farmerline Group announced the second close of a pre-series A investment raise with an additional $1.5 million investment from social impact investor Oikocredit.
The investment is part of a total funding round worth $14.4 million raised by Farmerline from investors, including FMO and the Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund.
Ghana-based Farmerline supports smallholder farmers and agribusinesses with digital tools, logistics, field agents and farm resources. The organisation has recently started plans to expand its operations into Ivory Coast in a bid to help farmers facing increased fertiliser prices and shortages.
Farmerline provides smallholder farmers with access to high-quality fertiliser and seeds, free education on climate-smart farming practices and connections to international markets. More recently, it has financed around $18 million worth of inputs and crops through franchise shop alliances with agribusinesses and input dealers.
Farmerline recently closed a pre-series A equity investment of $6.4 million and $6.5 million debt. As the company deepens its presence in West Africa, it plans to strengthen its supply chain for agribusinesses, reduce the cost of farming and increase yield for farmers on the continent through the deployment of AI technology and local infrastructure.
Alloysius Attah, co-founder and CEO of Farmerline said, “We remain committed to standing by farmers and agribusinesses across Africa during this crucial time. With the support of Oikocredit alongside our first-round funders, our distribution, logistics and financing services will continue not only in Ghana but also in Ivory Coast where we’ve recently begun the process of expanding our team.”
He adds, “Now is not a time for business as usual. We need to work closely with all partners and stakeholders in the agricultural sector through this critical period to create sustainable food system solutions that benefit African farmers.”
Mila Georgieva, equity officer at Oikocredit said, “The harmful impact of rocketing fertiliser costs on smallholder farmers in Africa is clear. With our investment in Farmerline, we are supporting those most affected by the price volatility. Our investments in the agriculture sector are at the core of Oikocredit’s work as a social impact investor, and we have already identified synergies with other portfolio companies. We are thrilled to support Farmerline Group and smallholder communities across Ghana and Ivory Coast.”