An initiative that seeks to provide digital tools and training to small-scale farmers and companies involved in agribusiness is set to open shop in Uganda.
The initiative, which is spearheaded by Microsoft’s 4Afrika Initiative and IFC – a member of the World Bank Group – seeks to support digital transformation in Africa’s agribusiness sector, modernise supply chains and boost farmers’ productivity and incomes in Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire.
Under the initiative, Microsoft’s KuzaBot mobile chat platform will provide vital information to farmers on good agricultural and business practices.
At least 50,000 small holder farmers and 50 cooperatives will access information and digital tools to strengthen farming practices, build business professionalism and improve food security and traceability throughout the supply chain.
Kendi Nderitu, Country Manager for Microsoft Kenya, said: “Now more than ever, we need to pay close attention to how agri-tech organisations transform digitally, what challenges they face acquiring new technologies, and the daily challenges they may be facing in the area of digital skills development.”
He added: “Microsoft 4Afrika’s strategy is to invest in agri-tech to unlock Africa’s vibrant potential, accelerating innovation in agri-tech to enable data-driven farming that can optimise yields, boost farm productivity and increase profitability – all while feeding a nation.”