Mariseth Farms has raised $1 million in working capital from a consortium of investors to advance its crop aggregation efforts and bolster equitable access to agricultural markets for smallholder farmers, especially women. The latest capital injection follows a $560,000 facility secured last month from Sahel Capital’s Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA). Additional backing for the new round came from RDF Ghana and ABSA Bank Ghana, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company’s mission and scalability.
Strategic Investment to Expand Operations
The fresh funding will drive Mariseth Farms’ expansion across several fronts, focusing on enhancing its agricultural value chain. The company aims to increase its in-house crop production capacity, grow its supplier base of smallholder aggregators, and hire more agricultural extension officers. A key goal is to create stronger offtaker partnerships to provide consistent market access for its network of farmers.
Leadership Reinforced for Next Growth Phase
To guide its next stage of development, Mariseth Farms has welcomed new leadership to its board. John Scicchitano, a partner at Pangea Africa, has taken on the role of board chair as of January 2025, bringing with him extensive experience in social enterprise and impact investing. He is joined by Gena Perry, Executive Director of the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health, whose appointment aims to further strengthen governance and strategic planning.
A Decade of Inclusive Agricultural Impact
Founded in 2016, Mariseth Farms has become a key player in Ghana’s agricultural ecosystem by producing, processing, and aggregating crops such as oil palm, soybeans, and maize for both domestic and international markets. The company’s hybrid model combines large-scale farming with a trusted supply network of more than 9,255 smallholder farmers. Its operations are rooted in principles of inclusivity and fairness, addressing the challenges that marginalize farmers in conventional market systems.
Empowering Farmers Through Sustainable Practices
Mariseth Farms distinguishes itself by actively involving farmers well before the planting season begins, offering guidance and access to improved agricultural inputs. This proactive approach equips smallholders with tools to manage climate variability and fluctuating market demands more effectively. The model supports both productivity and resilience, making it easier for farmers to thrive and participate more fully in the value chain.
CEO Highlights Broader Social Impact
Marian Ofori Twumasi, CEO of Mariseth Farms, emphasized that the new capital is not just a business milestone but a societal one. She stated that the funding validates the company’s vision of inclusive growth and proves the transformative power of women-led agribusiness. Twumasi added that the investment would empower more smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, and contribute meaningfully to food security and economic development across the region.
With its financial and leadership foundations reinforced, Mariseth Farms is well-positioned to scale operations and deepen its impact on Ghana’s agricultural sector. The company’s integrated approach, combining market access with technical support, sets a strong example of how agribusiness can drive both profit and purpose. As Mariseth enters its next chapter, it remains focused on building a sustainable, inclusive future for the country’s smallholder farmers.