Ghana is set to become Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered agricultural hub following a landmark $100 million investment by Degas Limited. The commitment, announced on August 22, 2025, at the Ghana Presidential Investment Forum, will be rolled out over four years. It represents one of the largest private sector-backed agri-tech initiatives in the region to date.
Expanding Support for Smallholder Farmers
Degas has already financed over 86,000 smallholder farmers cultivating more than 122,000 acres nationwide. The company’s platform integrates AI-driven satellite monitoring with precision agriculture, enabling farmers to improve productivity while reducing risks. By scaling these tools, Degas aims to expand affordable finance options and strengthen the resilience of rural communities.
CEO Endorses Ghana’s Vision
“Ghana has shown that when technology meets a clear national vision, smallholder farmers can thrive,” said Doga Makiura, CEO and founder of Degas Limited. He noted that incomes for many participating farmers have already doubled, with repayment rates reaching 95 percent. Makiura emphasized that the new investment will accelerate precision farming techniques and access to fairly priced credit.
Strong Backing from Japanese Partners
Makiura highlighted growing enthusiasm from Japanese investors drawn to Ghana’s integrated agricultural model. According to him, many now regard Ghana as a gold standard for agriculture-led investment in Africa. This endorsement reflects a broader trend of Asian capital seeking scalable and sustainable projects across the continent.
Presidential Welcome
President John Dramani Mahama hailed the announcement as a vote of confidence in Ghana’s transformation agenda. He stressed that the investment aligns with government priorities to build integrated value chains linking farmers to markets, finance, storage, and processing facilities. Mahama also underscored the potential of AI and precision technologies to enhance food security and create jobs for young people.
Building the Value Chain
The new funding will expand Degas’ farmer financing and satellite-enabled crop monitoring capabilities. It will also strengthen precision agronomy services and deepen collaborations in input supply, logistics, and produce offtake. These interventions aim to close gaps in the agricultural value chain and ensure that gains in productivity translate into sustainable incomes.
Boosting Productivity and Food Security
By embedding AI tools into farming practices, Ghana expects to achieve significant yield improvements. Precision agriculture techniques help optimize resource use, from water management to fertilizer application. The initiative is also expected to mitigate climate risks, which remain a major challenge for smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa.
Implications for Regional Agriculture
This investment positions Ghana as a leader in agricultural innovation across Africa. With global investors watching closely, the success of this model could inspire replication in other countries facing similar food security challenges. By blending advanced technology with grassroots financing, Ghana is offering a blueprint for inclusive agricultural growth.
The $100 million Degas investment marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s journey toward becoming Africa’s first AI-powered agriculture hub. It signals both international confidence in the country’s vision and a shift toward technology-driven solutions for food production. If successfully implemented, the project could redefine the role of smallholder farmers in powering Africa’s agricultural future.