Agribusiness plays a vital role in Africa’s economy, employing the majority of the population and contributing significantly to the continent’s food security. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the agribusiness sector face unique challenges when it comes to accessing financing.
The Agriculture Value Chain in Africa
The agriculture value chain in Africa can be divided into three layers. At the bottom are the farmers, who are the primary producers. In the middle are the small to medium-sized businesses that supply agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizers to the farmers, as well as aggregators and exporters who buy from the farmers. At the top of the pyramid are the large manufacturers, processors, and trading companies that bring the products into the market.
The Missing Middle in the Agribusiness
The top layer of the value chain, consisting of large manufacturers and trading companies, is usually well-funded and multinational, giving them the capacity to continue growing and dominate their markets. On the other hand, the bottom layer, the farmers, has been receiving increasing attention and capital in recent years, thanks to NGOs and fintech companies focusing on assisting farmers.
However, there is a missing middle in the agricultural value chain – the small to medium-sized businesses. These businesses are the backbone of the value chain, as there are too many farmers for the limited number of large buyers. The small to medium-sized businesses provide the necessary infrastructure to allow produce to flow from the farmers to the manufacturers and supermarkets.
Financing Challenges for Agribusiness SMEs
Unfortunately, traditional financial institutions are reluctant to finance these businesses, demanding audited financials, 100% collateral, and other stringent requirements that many small and medium-sized businesses cannot meet. This is a common challenge not only in the agribusiness sector but also for SMEs in emerging markets in general.
One of the main issues is the lack of credit history. How can financial institutions provide credit to businesses without a credit history? This poses a significant challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking financing. Without access to credit, these businesses struggle to grow, invest in their operations, and meet their day-to-day cash flow requirements.
Agribusiness Market Size in Africa
The market size of the agribusiness sector in Africa is estimated to be around $1 trillion. The agricultural sector in Africa employs over 60% of the continent’s workforce. The lack of access to finance is a major challenge for agribusinesses in Africa. The average interest rate on agricultural loans in Africa is around 20%. The use of fintech solutions is growing in Africa, and these solutions are helping to address the financing challenges faced by agribusinesses.
- The agricultural sector in Africa employs over 60% of the continent’s workforce.
- The lack of access to finance is a major challenge for agribusinesses in Africa.
- The average interest rate on agricultural loans in Africa is around 20%.
- The African Development Bank (AfDB) has launched a $10 billion agricultural transformation program to help address the financing challenges faced by agribusinesses in Africa.
- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has invested in a number of fintech companies that are providing financing solutions to agribusinesses in Africa.
- The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 is to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
Avenews: A Fintech Solution
Avenews, a financial super app based in Israel with operations in Kenya, aims to address these financing challenges faced by agribusinesses in Africa. By leveraging technology and innovative financial solutions, Avenews provides liquidity and constant support to small and medium-sized businesses in the agricultural industry. They understand the unique cash flow requirements of these businesses, which need flexible and tailored financing options that align with their trade cycles.
Traditional loans with fixed terms and interest rates do not serve the purpose of these businesses. Avenews fills the financing gap by offering unique products that meet the specific needs of agribusinesses. They provide constant liquidity to support the day-to-day operations of these businesses, enabling them to buy and sell constantly without facing cash flow constraints.
Agribusiness financing challenges in Africa are significant obstacles for small and medium-sized enterprises. The lack of credit history, stringent requirements from traditional financial institutions, and the unique cash flow requirements of these businesses create a financing gap that needs to be addressed. Innovative solutions like Avenews are stepping in to provide tailored and flexible financing options to support the growth and development of agribusinesses in Africa. By addressing these challenges, we can unlock the potential of the agricultural sector and contribute to the economic development of the continent.
Ready to dive deeper into the challenges faced by agribusinesses in Africa? Tune in to our podcast episode with Avenews’ CEO, Shalom Ben Or, and unlock the innovative solutions transforming the agricultural sector. It’s available in all podcast platforms https://podfollow.com/emerging-markets-today
Main Photo: A 28-member farming group in Machakos, Kenya farms a 4-acre plot where they grow oranges, avocado, vegetables, maize, via Wikimedia Commons
