Nyifamu Ogechi Manzo uses Farmatrix’s technology to support Nigerian smallholder farmers, boosting market access, productivity, and climate resilience.
Nyifamu Ogechi Manzo is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Farmatrix Agro Allied and Technology Company, an agricultural technology firm working to improve the productivity and market access of smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Her work is focused on agriculture and technology, with a goal to address long-standing challenges faced by rural farmers.
Manzo holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Abia State University and a Master of Business Administration from the Nigerian Defence Academy. Her interest in agribusiness grew from observing the structural difficulties smallholder farmers encounter daily, including post-harvest losses, limited access to markets, exposure to climate-related risks, and restricted access to finance. These issues informed her decision to establish Farmatrix in 2019 as a platform designed to help farmers participate more effectively in the agricultural value chain.
Farmatrix operates a digital platform that connects farmers to buyers, logistics providers, and selected financial services. The company also offers training in sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices aimed at reducing losses and improving yields. Particular attention is given to women and young people, who are often marginalised within the agricultural sector and have fewer opportunities for economic advancement.
A broader impact
Farmatrix currently supports over 8,000 smallholder farmers, a figure derived from recent company data and media reports. The firm has expanded its reach and enhanced its operational capacity through strategic partnerships. These collaborations include working with organisations such as Premier Tropicana Nigeria Limited, Heifer International, Technoserve, and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
Nyifamu Manzo has garnered significant recognition for her work, including support from the Tony Elumelu Foundation and participation in Seedstars’ entrepreneurship initiatives. Her involvement extends to being a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and a recognised Climate Reality Leader. Furthermore, she has been selected as one of the West Africa Acumen Fellows for 2025.
Farmatrix’s ambitious long-term goal is to expand its services across Africa, aiming to reach up to one million smallholder farmers by 2028. This regional expansion, while aspirational, is driven by the organisation’s commitment to improving food security, strengthening rural livelihoods, and developing climate-resilient farming systems.
Nyifamu Manzo is at the forefront of a movement leveraging technology in African agriculture. Her work focuses on creating solutions that empower smallholder farmers and enhance their position within the broader food system. Through a strategic combination of digital tools, comprehensive training, and key partnerships, she enables African smallholder farmers to actively participate in the evolving agricultural sector.
