By Simeon Shodimu
Face of Agriculture (FOA), an initiative founded by Amb. Prince Joel Bisong, is setting the pace in agricultural innovations in Nigeria as it is developing a digital platform to connect farmers,Face of Agriculture (FOA), is an initiative that is developing a digital platform to connect farmers, agripreneurs, investors, businesses and consumers as part of efforts to address challenges affecting agricultural businesses across Africa.
The platform aims to address issues such as limited market access, inadequate financing, fragmented supply chains and the lack of business support systems facing farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.
Through technology, FOA aims to create an ecosystem where agricultural producers can access markets, investment, business knowledge and partnerships to grow their operations and improve their earnings.
The platform is designed to move agricultural development beyond food production by connecting businesses across different stages of the value chain.
With a background in Applied Chemistry and professional training in crop production, crop protection and climate-smart agriculture,
Bisong is an entrepreneur, food security advocate and agricultural development enthusiast, founded the initiative on the belief that agriculture should provide opportunities for wealth creation, employment and economic development.
Through the Face of Africa initiative, he aims at promoting the use of technology and partnerships to connect farmers and agripreneurs with markets, investors and business development opportunities, with particular attention to women and young people.
A major component of the initiative is the National Agripreneur Programme, which has received approximately 25,000 applications, with 1,000 agripreneurs selected.
The programme is designed to identify and support emerging agricultural businesses across Nigeria. Its Top 100 participants are expected to attend a two-week boot camp in Abuja, featuring capacity development, mentorship, industry engagement and exposure to investors.
FOA is also establishing the Faculty of Titans and Experts, a network that will connect emerging agripreneurs with established entrepreneurs, industry leaders and agricultural professionals.
In addition, its webinars and masterclasses will provide training on access to finance, export readiness, regulatory compliance, business development and market access.
These programmes are expected to help participants understand the requirements for running agricultural businesses and accessing opportunities within and outside Nigeria.
Another major component is the Face of Agriculture Marketplace, a digital platform designed to help farmers, processors, distributors and agro-allied businesses establish an online presence and reach potential customers.
Many agricultural producers struggle to access markets beyond their immediate communities. This limits their ability to attract buyers, expand distribution and increase sales.
FOA aims to address this challenge by allowing businesses to create digital storefronts, showcase their products and connect with consumers.
Producers of Nigerian rice, garri, palm oil, honey, spices, processed foods and other agricultural commodities can register and list their products on the platform.
Its long-term vision is to connect agricultural businesses with consumers across Nigeria, Africa and international markets, including the United Kingdom, United States and Canada.
Access to funding is another challenge the initiative intends to address through its Investors’ Deal Room.
The platform will connect agribusinesses seeking capital with potential equity investors, grant providers, development finance institutions, lenders and strategic partners.
By creating these connections, FOA aims to help agricultural businesses identify funding opportunities, attract investment and establish partnerships that can support their growth.
The initiative builds on the experience of its parent company, Agric Naija Foods and Farms, which has engaged more than 13,000 farmers and agripreneurs, with market reach extending to approximately 10 countries.
This existing network provides a foundation for FOA to expand agricultural connections through digital technology, commercial partnerships and investment opportunities.
Face of Agriculture is however seeking collaboration with governments, financial institutions, development organisations, investors, technology companies and private-sector organisations to advance its objectives.
For development partners, the platform offers an avenue to engage with agripreneurs. Investors can connect with agricultural businesses seeking capital, while farmers and producers can access opportunities to improve their visibility and reach new markets.
