Kenya and other African countries are seeking sustainable business models to expand digital agriculture services.

As development funding comes under pressure, stakeholders in the agriculture space are  set to examine ways of turning successful pilot projects into viable businesses that can serve millions of farmers.

The 10th AgriFin Learning Event, scheduled for next week in Nairobi, will bring together investors, financial institutions, technology providers, governments and development partners to discuss financing, partnerships and evidence needed to scale digital agricultural services.

In a statement issued Thursday ahead of the conference, Program Director Sieka Gatabaki, Prosper Global and hosts of  the conference, said that the sector must move beyond demonstrating the potential of digital solutions to establishing business models capable of sustaining services beyond the lifespan of donor-funded projects.

“Digital agriculture has enabled the delivery of financial services, agricultural advice, weather information and market opportunities to smallholder farmers,” said Gatabaki, adding that despite this, many services remain fragmented, while their long-term sustainability depends on customer demand, suitable financing and stronger partnerships.

The conference will be held under the theme ‘Leveraging Evidence for Connected, Scalable and Inclusive Digital Agriculture’.

The discussions will draw on findings from the recently launched Agtech Investment in Emerging Markets report, which tracks USD 4.39 billion in agricultural technology investments across 17 emerging markets between 2023 and the third quarter of 2025, covering more than 900 deals, 700 funded companies and 900 funders.

According to Gatabaki, participants will explore how development funding can generate evidence, reduce barriers to investment and unlock markets, while commercial investors provide capital suited to businesses at different stages of growth.

The meeting will also examine how financial institutions, technology companies and governments can connect services around farmers’ needs, including access to quality inputs, markets, agricultural advice, weather information and risk-management services.

The programme will include masterclasses on trusted data ecosystems for agricultural finance, sustainable agricultural payment systems and digital safety and security.

An artificial intelligence showcase and an exhibition featuring more than 15 exhibitors will also demonstrate emerging technologies and practical solutions.

Prosper Global AgriFin boasts of programmes, reaching more than 18 million smallholder farmers across Africa and Asia since 2012 through partnerships with financial institutions, agricultural technology companies, digital platforms and governments.

By Wangari Ndirangu