South African Agritech Nile Raises $11.3M to Expand Across Region
TLDR
- South African agri-tech startup Nile has raised ZAR200 million (US$11.3 million) in a funding round led by the Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund
- The round saw participation from FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, and existing investor Platform Investment Partners
- The company plans to use the new capital to expand its agricultural inputs marketplace across Southern Africa
South African agri-tech startup Nile has raised ZAR200 million ($11.3 million) in a funding round led by the Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund, with participation from FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, and existing investor Platform Investment Partners.
Founded in 2021 by Louis de Kock, Eugene Roodt, and Rick Kleynhans, Nile provides farmers with digital tools to address common inefficiencies in fresh produce trading, including price transparency, quality control, payment speed, produce traceability, and food waste.
This latest raise follows a $5.1 million round in 2022. The company plans to use the new capital to expand its agricultural inputs marketplace across Southern Africa and roll out financing solutions in collaboration with regional banks.
Co-founder Louis de Kock said the startup aims to use the funds to build a broader digital ecosystem that supports farmers beyond trade, reducing risk and increasing value across the supply chain.
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Key Takeaways
Nile’s funding round highlights investor confidence in Africa’s digital agriculture sector, particularly platforms that offer end-to-end solutions for farmers navigating fragmented supply chains. By focusing on verified quality, transparent pricing, and faster payments, Nile addresses structural challenges that limit farmer profitability and market access. The startup’s digital model also supports traceability and efficiency, key issues in modern food systems. Access to capital remains a major hurdle for smallholder farmers across Africa. Nile’s planned launch of financial products in partnership with banks signals a growing trend of agri-fintech integration, where marketplaces combine trade and finance to unlock productivity. Investor backing from institutions like AfricInvest and FMO reflects growing institutional interest in agri-tech’s potential to drive inclusive growth, food security, and climate resilience. As Nile scales, its model may provide a blueprint for replicable, tech-enabled agriculture solutions in other parts of the continent.
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