Ceniarth

Robust International is a company that has evolved from its initial focus on plantation logs to become a key player in the agribusiness sector. It specializes in international trading services for agricultural commodities, managing the entire process from contract agreements to delivery. The company handles a diverse range of products, including cashew nuts, sesame seeds, rice, maize, and gum arabic, ensuring efficient management of supply chains to meet its clients' needs. Robust International's strategic shift away from timber logs has positioned it as a prominent entity in the agricultural market.

Salad Money is a for-profit social enterprise that specializes in offering short-term, affordable loans to individuals facing financial challenges, particularly targeting borrowers and public sector workers. By focusing on responsible lending practices, Salad Money positions itself as a pioneer in the field of ethical financial services, aiming to provide effective solutions to loan-related issues. The company's primary mission is to alleviate financial difficulties for its customers while maintaining a commitment to social responsibility.

PasarMikro operates an agro-trading platform designed to support farmers by streamlining the process of selling agricultural commodities. The company offers a business-to-business aggregated marketplace that facilitates access to a broader customer base. Its software includes various services aimed at enhancing the farmer's experience, such as network expansion, transaction security, and bookkeeping. Additionally, PasarMikro provides integrated financing options, including a pay-later facility, which enables farmers to manage their cash flow more effectively. Through these offerings, PasarMikro aims to empower farmers by improving their market reach and operational efficiency.

iProcure Ltd is a Nairobi-based company that operates a supply chain platform focused on optimizing agricultural input distribution in rural Africa, particularly in Kenya. Founded in 2012, iProcure provides a comprehensive solution that integrates business intelligence and data-driven stock management to enhance the operations of agricultural retailers. The platform enables retailers to manage inventory, point-of-sale activities, and customer profiles while leveraging geo-located purchasing patterns and real-time transaction analysis. Additionally, iProcure facilitates mobile payments, allowing retailers to better predict demand and improve overall inventory management. By offering an alternative distribution channel, the company ensures that agricultural products reach end consumers effectively, thereby streamlining distribution and enhancing customer service. iProcure also provides warehousing and storage facilities to support its logistics operations.

Farmerline is an AgriTech startup focused on enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by providing access to vital information, record-keeping services, and communication tools. The company connects farmers with agricultural businesses, government extensions, and education programs through SMS and voice-based systems, thereby enabling them to become empowered entrepreneurs. Farmerline offers a range of services, including input financing through organized groups, climate-smart farming education, logistics support, and access to high-quality fertilizers and seeds. Farmers can subscribe to information packages and services that enhance their farming practices and productivity. Additionally, the company facilitates communication channels for input dealers and traders, improving market access and trade opportunities for farmers, ultimately helping to increase crop yields and expand their reach in international markets.

Apollo Agriculture, established in 2015, is a Kenyan agtech company with a presence in Nairobi. It specializes in providing smallholder farmers with access to critical farming inputs, financing, and advisory services. The company leverages agronomic machine learning, remote sensing, and mobile technology to assess credit risk and tailor financial and technical assistance to each farmer's unique needs and location. This approach aims to enhance farm yields and profitability in emerging markets, with a focus on Kenya.

Kheyti is a business consulting firm based in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, that specializes in providing advisory services to farmers in India. Established in 2015 by Ayush Sharma, Kaushik K, Sathya Raghu Mokkapati, and Saumya, the company focuses on addressing the technical and financial needs of farmers. Kheyti offers a variety of services including low-cost farming alternatives, farming consultation, financial support, and training for farmers. These initiatives aim to empower farmers to successfully initiate and expand their agricultural enterprises, thereby fostering growth in rural communities.

Komaza is a tech-driven sustainable forestry company founded in 2006 by Tevis Howard. It focuses on transforming the wood industry in Africa through its innovative farmer platform, which integrates technology, training, and services. By partnering with rural farmers to establish virtual plantations and plant woodlots, Komaza aims to create a sustainable wood supply while significantly reducing costs compared to traditional plantations. This approach not only addresses the growing demand for wood and wood products but also empowers small-holder farmers, enabling them to contribute to solving the wood supply crisis in the region.

Jaza Energy, established in 2015 and headquartered in Halifax, Canada, specializes in designing and developing integrated energy solutions for off-grid communities. The company's core business involves constructing solar energy charging stations in remote areas, providing a reliable and affordable electricity source for hundreds of households. These energy hubs power portable battery packs, which residents can use to illuminate homes, charge devices, and even support essential community infrastructure like water systems and schools, thereby eliminating the need for kerosene and long-distance travel for charging.

One Acre Fund is a non-profit organization established in 2006 and headquartered in Bungoma, Kenya, focused on supporting smallholder farmers in East Africa. The organization provides essential resources such as tools, seeds, and fertilizers, along with agricultural training and market access. Additionally, it offers weather-related risk insurance to protect farmers against potential harvest losses. By equipping subsistence farmers with these resources and knowledge, One Acre Fund aims to enhance food production and improve their income, fostering sustainable agricultural practices and economic stability in the region.

4G Capital is a Nairobi-based company founded in 2013, dedicated to providing unsecured credit to small business owners in Africa's informal markets. Focused on supporting micro-enterprises, particularly in low-income sectors, the company offers working capital loans alongside bespoke financial literacy training. Utilizing proprietary machine learning technology, 4G Capital delivers tailored credit products and services to clients, enabling them to leverage micro-loans effectively for sustainable business growth. Loans can be accessed rapidly through mobile money, ensuring a streamlined experience for entrepreneurs who often lack traditional forms of credit due to high collateral demands. With a significant emphasis on supporting female traders, rural businesses, and micro-entrepreneurs in various sectors—including agriculture and trade—4G Capital aims to close the substantial finance gap across Africa. The company has achieved impressive collection rates and has expanded its impact to over one million individuals through ongoing operations in Kenya and Uganda, while continuing to scale its services across the continent.

60 Decibels Limited, established in 2016 and headquartered in Laurencekirk, UK, specializes in customer-driven impact measurement. The company's methodology enables investors, foundations, and nonprofits to assess social performance by transforming customer feedback into actionable insights. It employs a Lean Data approach, utilizing proprietary survey tools and remote data collection methods such as voice and SMS technologies to provide genuine benchmarks and help clients understand their impact relative to peers and set performance targets.

Kheyti is a business consulting firm based in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, that specializes in providing advisory services to farmers in India. Established in 2015 by Ayush Sharma, Kaushik K, Sathya Raghu Mokkapati, and Saumya, the company focuses on addressing the technical and financial needs of farmers. Kheyti offers a variety of services including low-cost farming alternatives, farming consultation, financial support, and training for farmers. These initiatives aim to empower farmers to successfully initiate and expand their agricultural enterprises, thereby fostering growth in rural communities.

Komaza is a tech-driven sustainable forestry company founded in 2006 by Tevis Howard. It focuses on transforming the wood industry in Africa through its innovative farmer platform, which integrates technology, training, and services. By partnering with rural farmers to establish virtual plantations and plant woodlots, Komaza aims to create a sustainable wood supply while significantly reducing costs compared to traditional plantations. This approach not only addresses the growing demand for wood and wood products but also empowers small-holder farmers, enabling them to contribute to solving the wood supply crisis in the region.

Zola Electric is a provider of off-grid solar solutions focused on the African market, specifically operating in Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. Founded in 2012 and based in Arusha, Tanzania, with an office in San Francisco, the company specializes in renewable energy systems that leverage advanced solar, battery, and power electronics technology. Zola Electric offers solar home kits through a leasing or purchase model, enabling households and businesses to access clean and affordable energy. The company employs a pay-as-you-go micro-finance system that accommodates varying energy needs and income levels, powering over 180,000 homes and businesses. Recognized for its innovative approach, Zola Electric has received several awards, including the UN Momentum for Change Award and the Zayed Future Energy Prize, and is included in the Global Cleantech 100.