Three agritech trends being leveraged by startups (2025)

(Source: Image by Freepik)

Africa's agritech ecosystem is at the forefront of an innovative agricultural shift that promises to redefine food production, rural livelihoods and economic development across the continent.

This is in contrast to previous decades, when agriculture was hindered by fragmented value chains, limited access to capital and climate vulnerabilities.

Today's landscape is marked by a fusion of digital innovation, data-driven decision making and inclusive finance models, all designed to address the unique challenges faced by the continent's smallholder farmers.

This transformation is powered by expanding 5G networks, widespread mobile penetration and a surge of homegrown innovations that leverage artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), fintech and sustainable farming techniques.

These technologies enable predictive, precision agriculture that empowers millions of farmers to optimize inputs, reduce losses and access transparent markets.

Connecting Africa has compiled a list of three agritech trends that startups are using to make a difference in the communities they serve.

1.AI-powered precision agriculture

AI tools analyze satellite and drone imagery, weather data and soil sensors to monitor crop health, predict yields and optimize resource utilization.

Related:Four agritech startups to watch in 2024

This approach minimizes waste, boosts productivity and helps farmers to adapt to climate variability.

2.Agri-fintech solutions

Agriculture-specific digital lending, insurance and payment platforms are broadening access to affordable financial services.

Leveraging data analytics and AI-driven credit scoring, these solutions empower farmers to invest in high-quality inputs and advanced technologies.

3.Climate-smart farming techniques

The adoption of drought-resistant crops, water-efficient irrigation systems and soil conservation techniques helps mitigate climate risks.

Digital tools further assist farmers in implementing sustainable practices, ensuring long-term productivity.

The below startups are leveraging the above trends in their day-to-day operations.

VunaPay (Kenya)

VunaPay combines agri-fintech with AI-powered quality assessment to transform payment processes within agricultural cooperatives.

By utilizing AI to scan and grade produce quality, VunaPay facilitates instant digital payments via mobile money upon crop delivery.

This approach minimizes payment delays, enhances cash flow and fosters trust in cooperative management.

Additionally, VunaPay's platform digitizes cooperative records, boosting transparency and operational efficiency.

Related:Hot startup of the month: Malawi's Mbora

Releaf (Nigeria)

Focused on Nigeria's oil palm sector, Releaf integrates agri-fintech with climate-smart farming by digitizing supply chains and providing affordable financing options.

Releaf's platform guarantees fair pricing and promotes sustainable processing methods that minimize waste and environmental impact.

This integration enables farmers to boost their incomes while embracing environmentally friendly practices.

Emata (Uganda)

Emata uses AI and risk analytics to quickly assesses farmer creditworthiness, facilitating timely access to funds for inputs and technology adoption.

It addresses the financing gap for East African smallholder farmers by providing automated agricultural loans at lower interest rates.

This fintech innovation empowers farmers to increase productivity and resilience against climate shocks.

Emata leverages agri-fintech with AI-driven credit scoring and climate-smart investment, enabling resilient farming.

Complete Farmer (Ghana)

Complete Farmer operates a crowd-farming platform that connects investors with sustainable farms across Africa.

Employing data-driven precision agriculture, the platform offers transparency and real-time farm monitoring, allowing investors to track progress remotely.

It promotes climate-smart farming by encouraging sustainable practices and efficient resource use, while integrating farmers into global value chains.

Crowd Farmer digitizes supply chains and also offers affordable financing options.

The platform ensures fair pricing and supports sustainable processing methods that reduce waste and environmental impact.

The future of African agriculture

Africa's agritech ecosystem in 2025 showcases how emerging technologies and innovative business models can overcome longstanding agricultural challenges.

Startups like VunaPay, Releaf, Emata and Complete Farmer are leveraging AI, fintech and sustainable farming techniques to boost productivity, enhance farmer incomes and build resilience to climate change.

These startups' efforts are not only changing African agriculture but also setting a benchmark for inclusive, technology-driven food systems.