- The injection of $2 million will allow Oyster to deepen its reach, bringing more farmers into its network and enhancing its ability to implement climate-smart practices.
- This expansion comes at a critical time as Ghana’s agricultural sector faces mounting challenges from climate change, making the need for resilient, sustainable farming methods more urgent
- Oyster has also contributed roughly $3.8 million to farmers, helping stabilise incomes and supporting community growth.
Oyster Agribusiness, a Ghanaian agri-tech company specializing in climate-smart agriculture, has secured a $2 million investment to scale its operations and expand its support for smallholder farmers across the country.
The capital raise, led by business development service provider Pangea Africa Limited, brought together key players such as Root Capital, RDF Ghana, and the Sahel Capital Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA FUND).
This financial boost marks a new chapter for the company, which has cemented its role in transforming local agriculture through innovative, sustainable farming practices over the past five years.
Transforming Ghana’s agricultural industry
With a focus on supporting smallholder farmers, Oyster Agribusiness has made strides in creating a sustainable model for local agriculture. Since its inception, the company has positively impacted the livelihoods of approximately 4,500 farmers, cultivated over 20,000 acres, and supplied more than 25,000 tonnes of produce to markets in Ghana and abroad.
Through its efforts, Oyster has also contributed over GH¢60 million (roughly $3.8 million) to farmers, helping stabilise incomes and supporting community growth.
The injection of $2 million will allow Oyster to deepen its reach, bringing more farmers into its network and enhancing its ability to implement climate-smart practices.
This expansion comes at a critical time as Ghana’s agricultural sector faces mounting challenges from climate change, making the need for resilient, sustainable farming methods more urgent than ever.
Empowering farmers and strengthening food security
Edmond Kombat, CEO of Oyster Agribusiness, stated: “We are thrilled to have the support of Root Capital, RDF Ghana, Sahel Capital, and Pangea Africa Limited. This investment validates our impact on smallholder farmers and reaffirms the potential for scaling up. We are building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agricultural ecosystem in Ghana.”
Oyster’s climate-smart practices maximize crop yields while minimizing environmental impacts. The company provides farmers access to innovative tools and sustainable farming solutions, boosting productivity and fostering economic stability. This approach enhances food security and supports local economies, as improved farming yields translate into more marketable produce and higher incomes for rural communities.
The role of strategic partners
Pangea Africa Limited, which orchestrated the funding process, was pivotal in connecting Oyster with partners who share the company’s commitment to sustainability. Nii Lokko, Partner at Pangea Africa, underscored the significance of the investment in driving triple-bottom-line outcomes—financial, social, and environmental benefits:
“Oyster exemplifies a growing African agribusiness that generates profits while delivering measurable social and environmental impact. Under Edmond Kombat’s leadership, the company sets a standard for agribusinesses across West Africa.”
Root Capital, RDF Ghana, and Sahel Capital each bring unique expertise to Oyster’s mission. These partners provide capital and strategic guidance to help Oyster scale its operations effectively while remaining true to its environmental goals. Their involvement underscores a larger movement within the investment community to back businesses prioritising impact alongside financial returns.
Building a resilient future for Ghanaian agriculture
The $2 million investment aligns with Ghana’s broader ambitions for agricultural modernization and food security. By expanding its climate-smart initiatives, Oyster Agribusiness will be better positioned to support the growth of sectors crucial to Ghana’s economy, including manufacturing, which relies heavily on agricultural output.
This funding allows Oyster to connect more smallholder farmers to sustainable practices, thereby strengthening the agricultural supply chain from the ground up.
Oyster’s impact is also evident in its digital transformation efforts. As part of its expansion, the company has been actively encouraging farmers to subscribe to digital self-service platforms, which have already gained traction with 2.1 million users—an increase from 1.7 million last year. This initiative has reduced foot traffic in Oyster’s service centers, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for farmers in remote areas.
What’s next for Oyster Agribusiness?
Oyster Agribusiness plans to leverage the new capital to grow its presence within Ghana and explore additional markets across West Africa. The company envisions an agricultural ecosystem where smallholder farmers have the resources, knowledge, and resilience to thrive despite climate challenges.
By fostering a collaborative network of farmers, investors, and development experts, Oyster aims to set a precedent for sustainable agriculture in the region.
This recent investment represents a step toward realizing this vision, positioning Oyster Agribusiness as a transformative force in Ghanaian agriculture and beyond.
As it continues to scale, the company’s model may serve as a blueprint for similar ventures across Africa, encouraging a shift towards sustainable, profitable, and community-focused agribusiness.
Read also: “Lost Crops” Provide Unique Opportunity For Food Security in Africa
