Smallholder farmers in Nigeria are set to benefit from fresh backing, as Babban Gona, an AI-driven agritech platform, secures $7.5 million in debt funding from British International Investment (BII).
This investment aims to enhance food security, promote climate resilience, and support smallholder farmers in northern Nigeria, addressing critical challenges in one of Africa’s largest economies.
As Nigeria struggles with food inflation and climate change impacts, this funding comes at a crucial time to drive sustainable agricultural growth.
What is Babban Gona? A Pioneer in Nigerian Agritech
Babban Gona is a Nigerian social enterprise founded in 2012, focused on transforming the lives of smallholder farmers through innovative technology and a franchise model.
The company provides farmers with access to affordable credit, high-quality inputs, training, and market linkages, helping them increase crop yields and incomes.
Operating primarily in northern Nigeria, Babban Gona leverages AI and data analytics to optimise farming practices, making it a key player in the agritech space.
Key highlights of Babban Gona’s impact so far:
- Served over 100,000 farmers to date.
- Increased maize yields by up to 2.5 times compared to national averages.
- Focused on maize, rice, and soybean production in regions vulnerable to insecurity and climate variability.
This latest funding builds on Babban Gona’s history of attracting international support, including an earlier investment from BII (formerly CDC Group) in 2013, which was ten times smaller than the current commitment.
Details of the $7.5 Million Investment from BII
The $7.5 million debt facility was announced following a signing ceremony in Lagos on September 2, 2025.
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BII’s investment will enable Babban Gona to scale its operations, providing essential services to more farmers. Specifically, the funds will:
- Expand access to finance and training for smallholder farmers.
- Promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, such as drought-resistant seeds and sustainable farming techniques.
- Strengthen local food systems to combat food insecurity in northern Nigeria.
BII, which invests in emerging markets to stimulate economic development, sees this as catalytic capital to bridge financing gaps in underserved regions.
This aligns with BII’s broader goals of supporting inclusive growth and climate adaptation in Africa.
Empowering Nigerian Farmers: Expected Impact
With this funding, Babban Gona plans to reach approximately 140,000 farmers by 2029, significantly boosting their productivity and resilience.
Northern Nigeria, home to millions of smallholder farmers, faces challenges like erratic weather, limited access to credit, and supply chain disruptions.
Babban Gona’s model addresses these by:
- Offering low-interest loans tailored to farmers’ needs.
- Providing agronomic training and extension services via a network of franchisees.
- Integrating AI tools for precision farming, such as yield prediction and soil health monitoring.
This initiative is expected to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural GDP, which accounts for about 25% of the national economy.
By empowering women and youth in farming communities, it also promotes gender equality and job creation.
A Step Toward a Sustainable Future
Babban Gona’s $7.5 million securing from BII marks a significant milestone in empowering Nigerian farmers and advancing agritech innovation.
By focusing on smallholders in vulnerable regions, this partnership not only addresses immediate needs but also paves the way for long-term economic and environmental benefits.
As we look ahead, investments like this will be key to unlocking Nigeria’s agricultural potential and ensuring food security for millions. Stay tuned for more updates on agritech funding and sustainable agriculture in Africa.
If you’re a farmer or investor interested in similar opportunities, explore Babban Gona’s programmes today!
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
