AGRA

This pitchbook is part of the broader effort of the UNFSS+4 Business Engagement Group to unlock private sector investments that drive transformation in food systems. Convened by a global coalition of partners, including AGRA, Gain, UNIDO, Giga, IAFN, Growasia and Ambition Loop, this effort aims to spotlight promising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with demonstrated potential for scale and impact.

The SMEs featured here represent diverse regions and segments of the food system from agritech and aquaculture to processing and climate-smart inputs. Each has been vetted and nominated by members of the Business Engagement Group based on three core criteria:

1. Impact: Proven contributions to food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and farmer livelihoods
2. Investment readiness: Clear business model, growth trajectory, and demand-driven solutions
3. Alignment: Strong fit with national food systems transformation pathways and the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action

Featured SMEs

The pitchbook showcases 15 innovative agri-entrepreneurial SMEs across Africa and Asia, seeking investments ranging from $60K to $7M:

Africa:

• Confirel Co., Ltd. (Cambodia) – Organic, GI-certified agribusiness promoting sustainability through agroforestry – $7M
• Entebbe Animal Care Centre (Uganda) – Integrated farm combining livestock and crop production – $500K
• Eco-friendly Rechargeable Incubator Company (Sierra Leone) – Youth-led poultry agribusiness providing solar incubators – $250K
• Lake Farms and Fishing Lodge Limited (Zambia) – Aquaculture operation combining fish farming and clean energy – $500K
• Damascene Essential Oils (Ethiopia) – Women-led spice and herb processor using cooperative sourcing – $275K
• Zanzibar Seaweed Company Limited (Tanzania) – Government-backed enterprise transforming seaweed value chains – $4.3M
• MASH Baby Food (Nigeria) – Natural baby food company serving young children – $150K
• Zima Healthy Group Ltd (Rwanda) – Women-led agro-food processor using local crops for gluten-free foods – $220K
• Xima de Namaua (Mozambique) – Maize and cassava flour processor solving staple food shortages – $450K
• SHADDAÏ Aquaculture (Senegal) – Fish feed producer committed to improving local aquaculture – $60K
• Tigray Biotechnology Centre Plc (Ethiopia) – Advancing agricultural innovation through plant tissue culture – $3M

Asia:

• NatureDots (India) – DeepTech company driving solutions for aquatic systems – $1.25M
• The Himalayan Food (Pakistan) – Agro-processing startup converting surplus fruits into energy-rich bars – $150K

Key Impact Metrics

Collectively, these SMEs have already achieved significant impact:

• Supporting over 100,000 farmers and producers
• Creating thousands of jobs, with a strong emphasis on youth and women’s employment
• Producing hundreds of thousands of metric tons of nutritious food annually
• Implementing sustainable practices, including solar energy, waste reduction, and regenerative agriculture
• Demonstrating strong revenue growth with many companies showing 20-40% annual growth rates

Investment Opportunities

The featured SMEs represent diverse funding needs and structures:

• Funding types: Mix of grants, equity, and debt financing
• Use of funds: Equipment upgrades, working capital, market expansion, and capacity building
• Revenue stages: From early-stage ($50K) to established ($1M+) companies
• Geographic diversity: Spanning 13 countries across Africa and Asia

This pitchbook showcases the vibrant ecosystem of agri-entrepreneurial SMEs driving transformation in food systems across the Global South, offering investors opportunities to generate both financial returns and a meaningful impact on food security, nutrition, and climate resilience.

Download the full UNFSS+4 SME Pitchbook 2025 📎 SME-PitchBook-2025.pdf