In Africa, the agricultural sector is both a lifeline and a challenging frontier. Limited market access, logistical barriers, harsh weather conditions, and agricultural practices that deplete soil health and harm the environment often hinder farmers’ potential, leading to inefficiencies and financial struggles. That’s where 24Bio comes in, a game-changing digital platform that’s transforming how agricultural producers in Africa reach and engage with markets. 

 

24Bio gives farmers the tools to sell their organic and sustainably grown products more efficiently and transparently, by connecting local farmers directly with agri-food companies, thus, cutting out middlemen and improving profitability. Through web, mobile, and USSD platforms, they offer a transparent and efficient procurement process that benefits both sellers and buyers.

Founded with a mission to drive sustainability and boost agricultural productivity, 24Bio has quickly become a leader in the African FoodTech ecosystem. Their platform allows producers to list their products online, receive real-time SMS notifications for sales, and directly engage with buyers, both urban consumers and businesses, without the need for intermediaries. This digital-first approach has already garnered them significant attention, including being named a finalist in the 2023 FoodTech 500.

But their vision doesn’t stop at market access. We reached out to Gedeoñ Mashishi, founder of 24Bio, to share their plans to scale even further by reaching more than 20,000 producers by 2025, and how the company is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming Africa’s agrifood landscape.

 

This interview has been edited for clarity and concision.

 

Forward Fooding: Could you share insights into the innovative technologies or approaches your company has developed to address specific agricultural or food-related issues prevalent in Africa?

Gedeoñ Mashishi: Our various activities are carried out via a marketplace and a mobile application allowing farmers to post advertisements online and receive real-time SMS notifications each time their products are sold. Buyers (urban consumers) receive SMS notifications each time products go on sale and can access the platform, view the price list and order products without traveling.

Forward Fooding: As a first-time participant in FoodTech 500, what do you believe sets your company apart from other global competitors, particularly in terms of contributing to sustainable agriculture or food security in Africa?

Gedeoñ: Our competitive advantage over our current and future competitors is that we have a large database of producers and a large catalog of local and organic products, easy access to seasonal products, a transparent procurement process and of an evolving technological system.

Forward Fooding: How do you approach sustainability?

Gedeoñ: Our company has a significant impact on the agricultural activities of producers. To date, we have trained more than 145 producers in good agricultural practices, which has enabled them to adopt sustainable practices in their crops and increase their production. After the launch of our USSD version, we plan to give more than 20,000 producers easy access to agricultural advice for more sustainable and profitable production that respects the environment.

We develop technological tools that allow consumers and agri-food companies to move towards innovative purchasing services and new, more sustainable consumption patterns in order to develop the circular economy while leading to post-harvest losses and food waste. also their impacts on the environment.

Forward Fooding: How has being recognized as a finalist in FoodTech 500 impacted your company’s visibility, partnerships, or growth opportunities, especially within the African continent?

Gedeoñ: Our nomination to the FoodTech 500 2023 list was a big advantage for 24Bio, it gave us a lot of credibility at the national level and at the international level with our local funders and in terms of visibility at the national level with our institutions.

Forward Fooding: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of your company, both in terms of expansion within Africa and on the global stage?

Gedeoñ: Our company has a significant future in the agricultural activities of producers. To date, we have trained more than 145 producers in good agricultural practices, which has enabled them to adopt sustainable practices in their crops and increase their production. In terms of expansion by 2025, we plan to give more than 20,000 producers easy access to agricultural advice for more sustainable and profitable production that respects the environment; Increase the storage and packaging capacity of products supplied by local farmers who are our partners; Strengthen the automobile haulage to cover in real-time all requests related to the home delivery service.

Forward Fooding: What makes the African FoodTech ecosystem unique and what are the opportunities and barriers?

Gedeoñ: Africa offers fertile ground for investing in organic farming, which is what makes the African FoodTech ecosystem unique. We are convinced that your expertise and vision could greatly contribute to the growth of African startups and the exploitation of business opportunities in Africa. In terms of obstacles, lack of access to financing, and a lack of agricultural infrastructure.

 

To learn more about the FoodTech 500 ranking and global FoodTech ecosystem insights, visit forwardfooding.com/foodtech500.

 

Are you an AgriFoodTech startup or scaleup? Apply now for the 2024 edition of the FoodTech 500. The deadline for applications is on November 15, 2024.

 

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