EATO, a rising AI-powered foodtech startup, has secured undisclosed funding from Nubia Capital to advance its mission of creating a digital infrastructure for Africa’s vast and largely informal food economy. Launched in 2023 by entrepreneur Margaret Kyerematen-Debrah, EATO is not just another food delivery app or recipe platform. It is developing a sophisticated ecosystem that blends commerce, data, and culture to connect African food entrepreneurs with global markets.
A Platform with Deeper Ambitions
At first glance, EATO may resemble a culturally rich digital archive, featuring African recipes, cooking tutorials, and Afro-fusion culinary content. However, the platform is strategically designed to do more than celebrate food culture—it is engineered to act as a global gateway for African food businesses. Through its infrastructure-first approach, EATO empowers chefs, traders, processors, and food SMEs to become digitally visible, trusted, and tradable in the international marketplace.
Digital Tools That Go Beyond Commerce
The platform offers a mix of consumer-facing and enterprise tools, including recipe libraries, chef-curated content, and shoppable meal kits. It also operates a grocery delivery service, EATO Cart, and a marketplace that showcases African food brands and professionals. At the core of these offerings is a proprietary data engine that enables SMEs to record operational data, build digital credit profiles, and unlock new opportunities in finance and trade.
Reimagining Food as Fintech and Infrastructure
Unlike traditional foodtech models, EATO is positioning itself as both a commerce engine and a fintech platform tailored for the informal food sector. Formalizing business operations and providing visibility into trade activities, it allows local entrepreneurs to become part of global food and financial systems. This includes creating intellectual property records, financial track records, and digital storefronts—tools often unavailable to small and informal food traders.
Backing from Nubia Capital and What It Means
The investment from Nubia Capital reflects growing confidence in EATO’s mission and model, which integrates digital innovation with cultural relevance and economic empowerment. Though the funding amount remains undisclosed, the partnership will help EATO scale its infrastructure, expand across African markets, and build the digital backbone needed for widespread adoption. This milestone signals a broader trend of investors recognizing the untapped potential in Africa’s food and informal economies.
Ambitious Goals with Global Impact
EATO has outlined an ambitious vision: by 2030, it aims to support one million African food SMEs, generate over 100,000 jobs, and reach more than 100 million food lovers worldwide. Its strategy centers on transforming African food from a niche cultural offering into a globally recognized, investable product category. Through technology and strategic partnerships, EATO is working to integrate African food into international supply chains and consumer platforms.
Margaret Kyerematen-Debrah and her team are not just building a platform—they are setting the stage for a paradigm shift in how African food is produced, marketed, and consumed. By bridging the gap between informal entrepreneurs and the formal digital economy, EATO is unlocking value at every level of the supply chain. With this recent backing, the startup is poised to redefine the future of African food through innovation, inclusion, and infrastructure.
Source: Theinnovationspark