Agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, employing millions and holding enormous potential for national development. Yet, persistent hurdles like poor market access, limited financing, and fragmented value chains continue to constrain the sector’s full impact.
In recent years, a wave of agricultural technology (agtech) startups has emerged to rewrite that narrative—introducing data-driven solutions, modern tools, and smart capital to elevate Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem.
These startups are tackling food security, climate resilience, and youth unemployment while empowering smallholder farmers with innovation. Between 2014 and 2024, Nigeria’s top five agtech startups collectively raised nearly $150 million, according to insights from Briter Bridges.
Let’s meet the trailblazers transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape:
ThriveAgric — $59 Million
Nigeria’s most funded agtech startup, ThriveAgric has raised a whopping $59 million across eight funding rounds. Its most recent boost came from the AYuTe Africa Challenge in 2022.
Founded by Uka Eje and Ayodeji Arikawe, the company supports over 800,000 smallholder farmers and aims to scale that number to 10 million by 2027. ThriveAgric provides access to credit, advanced farming technologies, and market linkages—enabling farmers to increase productivity and profitability.
ThriveAgric’s mission? To build a food-secure Africa—starting from the roots.
Vendease — $33 Million
Launched in 2020, Vendease is revolutionizing food procurement for African restaurants and food businesses. With $33.33 million raised across four rounds, this digital marketplace cuts out costly middlemen, offering direct access to farm-fresh produce.
Co-founded by Tunde Kara, Gatumi Aliyu, Olumide Fayankin, and Oyewale Oyepeju, Vendease optimizes the food supply chain, saving businesses time and reducing waste—while supporting local farmers.
Vendease is not just a marketplace—it’s a supply chain revolution.
Babban Gona — $30 Million
With a name that means “Great Farm” in Hausa, Babban Gona was founded by Kola Masha in 2012 to use agriculture as a tool for economic stability.
Having raised $30 million—including $20.5 million across five formal rounds—Babban Gona runs an innovative franchise model that provides farmers with quality inputs, training, credit, and marketing support. The company has become a beacon of hope in combating youth unemployment and rural insecurity.
Babban Gona isn’t just growing crops—it’s cultivating futures.
Agricorp — $17.5 Million
Agricorp is making waves by processing and exporting Nigerian-grown spices to global markets. Founded in 2018 by Louis Omotimirin and Kenneth Obiajulu, the company raised $17.5 million in a single Series A round led by Vami Nigeria.
Agricorp’s vision is to become Africa’s go-to spice powerhouse, scaling its processing capacity to 7,000 metric tonnes. Its model empowers farmers and strengthens Nigeria’s position in the global spice market.
From local farmlands to international kitchens—Agricorp is spicing up agriculture.
Releaf — $8.32 Million
Releaf blends climate tech with agri-processing, using innovation to address sustainability and carbon emissions. Co-founded by Uzoma Ayogu and Kenna Nzewi, the startup has secured $8.32 million across 13 funding rounds.
Releaf’s game-changing machine, Kraken, processes palm kernels into high-quality feedstock for manufacturers. Now, its focus has expanded to Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR)—a process that turns palm waste into biochar that boosts soil health and traps carbon.
Releaf isn’t just building machines—it’s engineering a greener tomorrow.
Closing Thoughts
Nigeria’s agtech scene is rapidly evolving, powered by bold founders, groundbreaking innovations, and significant capital. From creating smarter supply chains to scaling regenerative agriculture, these top startups are planting the seeds of a resilient, sustainable, and tech-driven future.
As agriculture continues to modernize, these pioneers are proving that innovation can flourish even in the most traditional sectors—while feeding a nation and protecting the planet.
