O-Farms, one of the pioneering East African SME accelerators dedicated entirely to circular agribusiness, is embarking on its next phase with an ambitious goal: to make circular principles mainstream in the region's agriculture and food sector.
Launched in January 2021 under the leadership of Bopinc, O-Farms has been championing innovative business solutions in Kenya and Uganda that reintegrate food losses and by-products back into the food system.
This initiative is critical as East Africa grapples with the dual challenges of producing enough safe and nutritious food while minimizing environmental impact.
The initial phase of O-Farms has already showcased the program's transformative potential. Participating enterprises have successfully created value from previously wasted food and organic material, benefiting from enhanced business circularity, investment readiness support, funding, and networking opportunities.
These enterprises have reported increased sales due to better marketing support, cost savings from improved circular practices, new partnerships, and additional funding facilitated by O-Farms.
Building on this success, the second phase of O-Farms will scale up its accelerator activities, targeting another 100 circular enterprises in Kenya and Uganda. This phase aims to grow SMEs that enhance the viability and impact of existing circular business activities and nurture Start-ups by supporting smaller SMEs and start-ups in launching their circular business ideas. As well as to bolster Support Capacity to strengthen in-country entrepreneurial support tailored to circular SMEs, with a greater emphasis on advocacy to influence policy change for the sector.
To amplify its efforts, O-Farms has partnered with Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) for advocacy and Unconventional Capital to manage a revenue-based financing facility for participating SMEs. These collaborations will enhance O-Farms' capacity to support circular agribusinesses on a larger scale.
“The O-Farms program fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in the agriculture and food sector in East Africa,” says Priya Motupalli, Programme Manager at the IKEA Foundation.
“As a supporter of O-Farms since its inauguration in 2021, we’re proud to continue working together to advance circular agribusiness in the region and create a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
With these initiatives, O-Farms is poised to make significant strides in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, driving economic growth, and addressing environmental challenges in East Africa.
