Agritech in Nigeria: How Startups Are Transforming Farming and Food Security

Agriculture has always been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing 24.43% of GDP and employing millions of people. Yet, despite having 73 million hectares of arable land, the country is using less than half of it effectively.

Challenges such as poor infrastructure, limited funding, weak supply chains, and the lack of modern tools for smallholder farmers have long held back the sector’s full potential. But a new wave of agritech startups is reshaping the story, using digital tools, data, and innovation to empower farmers, improve yields, and reduce food waste.

Nigeria’s Agritech Boom

The growth of agritech in Nigeria has been remarkable. In just two years, the number of agritech startups rose from 23 in 2022 to 230 in 2024.

Despite this surge, agritech still receives far less funding compared to fintech. In 2024, agritech startups across Africa raised about US$65 million, with most of the investment going to marketplaces and fintech-related solutions. By contrast, Nigeria’s fintech sector continues to attract far larger sums, highlighting a funding imbalance between agriculture’s economic importance and its investment levels.

Leading Agritech Startups Driving Change

Several Nigerian agritech startups are standing out by addressing the sector’s toughest challenges:

1. Thrive Agric

Founded: 2017
Focus: Financing, inputs, and markets for farmers
Impact: Supported 500,000+ farmers, enabled production of 1.5 million metric tonnes of grains
Milestone: Raised US$56.4 million in 2022 to scale operations in Northern Nigeria, despite COVID-19 setbacks

2. Releaf

Founded: 2017
Focus: Mechanisation, starting with oil palm processing
Innovation: Created the Kraken, a machine that de-shells palm nuts quickly and efficiently
Funding: Raised US$4.2 million in 2021
Impact: Reduced waste and boosted productivity for farmers and food processors

3. ColdHubs

Founded: 2015
Focus: Tackling food waste with solar-powered cold storage
Solution: Keeps produce fresh for up to 21 days, helping farmers and vendors cut losses
Recognition: Received a US$110,000 grant and earned global recognition for innovation

4. Crop2Cash

Founded: 2018
Focus: Bridging financial gaps for smallholder farmers
Solution: USSD-based digital banking platform for farmers without smartphones
Impact: Reached 500,000+ farmers
Support: Backed by Google for Startups and Village Capital

5. AgroMall

Founded: 2017
Focus: Financial inclusion and agronomic advice for farmers
Platform: AgroMall Digital Agriculture Platform (ADAP), offering crop insurance, market access, and input credits
Impact: Increased transparency and trust in the agricultural value chain

Challenges Holding Back Agritech in Nigeria

Despite the progress, significant hurdles remain. Insecurity in northern and central Nigeria frequently disrupts farming cycles, displaces farmers, and increases operational costs for agritech companies. Without stronger security measures, the full potential of these innovations may remain untapped.

Looking Ahead: Agritech at Lagos Startup Expo 2025

The growth of agritech startups is proof that innovation can transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector. These solutions are critical for:

Empowering farmers with better tools, finance, and training
Improving food security by reducing losses and increasing yields
Boosting rural economies with smarter supply chains and digital access

The upcoming Lagos Startup Expo 2.0 (June 18–19, 2025) will be an important platform for showcasing these solutions, connecting innovators, investors, and policymakers to shape the future of Nigerian agritech.

Final Word

Nigeria’s agriculture holds massive potential—and agritech is the key to unlocking it. By combining digital innovation with farmer-focused solutions, startups are driving a new era of productivity and resilience. With more investment, stronger infrastructure, and improved security, Nigeria could not only feed itself but also become a global leader in agricultural innovation.