AGROVESTO, NITDA Empowers Farmers Digitally
AGROVESTO, a fast-rising agritech startup and graduate of the iHatch Incubation Programme’s second cohort, has released findings from a groundbreaking survey centered on the digitization of agricultural supply chains in Nigeria. The survey, conducted in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), explores the transformative potential of digital tools for smallholder farmers across the country.
The initiative aims to address longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector chief among them inefficient logistics, post-harvest losses, and market inaccessibility by empowering farmers through technology-driven supply chain solutions.
Speaking at the launch of AGROVESTO’s digital agriculture platform, the Director General of NITDA, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, who was represented by Dr. Amina Sambo-Magaji, reiterated NITDA’s strategic mission to accelerate Nigeria’s digital future. “Collaboration with partners like JICA is key to driving capacity building, startup incubation, and vital resource access for innovators nationwide,” she said.
The event, which spotlighted AGROVESTO as a prime success story, also reaffirmed the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI)’s commitment to building an inclusive digital economy. Dr. Sambo-Magaji highlighted that such platforms exemplify NITDA’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and enabling environment where government backed innovation becomes a launchpad for digital excellence across all sectors.
She further stressed that digitizing agricultural supply chains presents a sustainable solution to food security and economic empowerment. “Our survey findings show that digital interventions are reducing bottlenecks in farm-to-market logistics, expanding access to finance, and improving the livelihood of small-scale farmers,” she noted.
Dr. Sambo-Magaji also highlighted the broader context of Nigeria’s tech-driven growth. “The country’s startup ecosystem is among the most vibrant in Africa, driven by youth-led innovation in sectors such as fintech, agritech, and health tech,” she stated.
Nigeria’s fintech sector, home to over 200 active startups including global names like Paystack, Flutterwave, and Paga, serves as a blueprint for success in other sectors. These companies have not only attracted global investment but also transformed access to financial services for millions. The acquisition of Paystack by Stripe for over $200 million was cited as a testament to the global competitiveness of Nigerian innovation.
Central to the country’s innovation agenda is the *iHatch programme* a joint initiative between NITDA and JICA. This incubation programme equips startups with training, mentorship, seed funding, and access to key networks and innovation hubs.
As Nigeria continues to embrace digital transformation, AGROVESTO’s efforts backed by robust institutional support are paving the way for a more resilient, efficient, and inclusive agricultural sector. The survey marks a critical step in shaping policy, investment, and innovation strategies that will benefit Nigeria’s smallholder farmers and the nation’s economy at large.