African entrepreneurs are returning to the continent to invest in agriculture, helping subsistence farmers access technology and knowledge to bring crops like fonio and cassava to global markets. With an estimated 600 million hectares of uncultivated farmland, Africa holds significant potential to address global food security challenges.
A new wave of young entrepreneurs is leading an agro-renaissance across the continent, fueled by demand from diaspora communities in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. These returning professionals bring advanced business skills, access to capital, and insights that merge traditional farming with modern agricultural practices.
In Guinea, the cultivation of fonio a drought-resistant, iron-rich, and gluten-free grain is expanding, driven by cooperatives and international partnerships. Farmers in rural areas, who have long relied on fonio as a staple, are now exporting their harvests to meet growing demand in Europe, Asia, and North America. The grain, once little known outside West Africa, is now featured in health-conscious diets and high-end culinary markets.
Diaspora-led businesses are playing a crucial role in fonio’s rise. Companies based in the U.S. and Europe, managed by African expatriates, are providing the infrastructure and investment needed to scale production. These businesses ensure that profits reach farming communities, with most fonio being cultivated on small family plots rather than by large corporations. Mechanization is also helping farmers increase yields while reducing labor costs, as rural-to-urban migration reduces the available workforce.
The return of African professionals to agriculture is not limited to fonio. In Sierra Leone, an entrepreneur who spent decades abroad has built the country’s largest cassava production and processing enterprise. Initially interested in rice cultivation, he shifted focus to cassava due to its economic advantages. Cassava, processed into flour and other products, is now being exported to neighboring countries and Europe.
The impact of these initiatives extends beyond economic gains. By training local farmers and introducing modern machinery, these entrepreneurs are improving productivity and reducing manual labor. Some have also invested in infrastructure like solar power and storage facilities, ensuring better processing and transportation of crops.
Palm oil farming is another area seeing growth due to diaspora-led investments. A young entrepreneur with roots in Guinea is modernizing his family’s plantation while creating new financing opportunities for local farmers. By leveraging crowdfunding and grants, he has expanded production and exports to European markets.
These efforts highlight a growing movement of African entrepreneurs who see agriculture as a viable and impactful investment. Their work bridges the gap between local farmers and international markets, ensuring that Africa’s agricultural potential is harnessed for sustainable development. Through skill transfers, financial backing, and strategic partnerships, these returning professionals are reshaping the continent’s farming landscape and creating new opportunities for economic growth.
