Aisha Raheem, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Farmz2U, is leading a revolution in African agriculture. Born in September 1990, Raheem’s inspiration to enter the agricultural sector stemmed from a personal health experience, emphasising the critical role of food quality and nutrition. This led her to identify inefficiencies within the food supply chain and motivated her to establish Farmz2U, aiming to create a more efficient and sustainable agricultural system.
“After discovering a lump, I changed my lifestyle with a greater focus on nutrition gained mainly from food. Through this journey, I became aware of the challenges in the food industry, and the interrelation of poor nutrition and food waste,” Aisha Raheem tells Businessday.
The idea of establishing her company started during her time in London, drawing from her background in economics and finance. However, the core development and operational launch of Farmz2U commenced in Lagos, Nigeria, following her relocation in 2019.
A data-driven approach to farming
Farmz2U is an agri-tech enterprise that provides end-to-end digital solutions for smallholder farmers and food businesses. The company combines personalised advisory services, farm mapping, supply chain management, and market access tools to offer a seamless experience that helps stakeholders make more informed agricultural decisions.
At the heart of its innovation are two platforms: Kuju, a farm management tool offering personalised advisory services, and Talon, an e-procurement platform designed to streamline supply chain operations. Raheem’s mission is primarily to enable farmers to “farm better” through accessible, user-friendly technology.
Since its launch, Farmz2U has seen consistent growth in user base and regional reach. Operating primarily in Nigeria and Kenya, the platform has supported over 8,000 smallholder farmers, offering tailored guidance and tools to enhance productivity.
Its client base includes individual farmers, cooperatives, and agri-food businesses- many of which depend on its services for crop planning, sustainable farming practices, and supply chain optimisation. Through partnerships with government programmes, NGOs, and development agencies, the company continues to broaden its impact across the continent.
The company has secured significant funding, which includes $100,000 from the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund and an additional $100,000 from the Catalyst Fund’s Accelerate Africa Programme, amounting to over $250,000 in funding and grants. These funds have been pivotal in enhancing the tech company’s capabilities, expanding into new markets, and deepening farmer engagement.
With food insecurity, climate volatility, and youth unemployment presenting persistent challenges across Africa, Aisha Raheem is empowering farmers with data-driven tools to improve food production, reduce waste, and increase profitability across the value chain, thereby shaping the future of the continent’s agricultural economy.
