(3 Minutes Read)
Tanzania-based agritech innovator MazaoHub has successfully raised USD 2 million in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round to accelerate its mission of transforming smallholder farming through artificial intelligence. The company aims to enhance soil health, irrigation efficiency, and market access for farmers across the country, positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s data-driven agricultural revolution.
The funding round included USD 1.5 million in equity, led by Catalyst Fund, alongside USD 500,000 in non-dilutive financing from the Livelihood Impact Fund. Additional backing came from a consortium of impact-focused investors, including Nordic Impact Fund, Mercy Corps Ventures, elea Foundation, Impacc, and DOB Equity — reflecting strong confidence in MazaoHub’s scalable approach to sustainable agriculture.
AI Meets Agronomy: The “Tech and Touch” Model
MazaoHub’s innovative “Tech and Touch” model bridges cutting-edge AI technologies with hands-on field support. The company integrates AI-driven soil intelligence with direct farmer engagement through its Farmer Excellence Centres. By deploying affordable soil sensors and offering localized agronomic advice, MazaoHub empowers farmers to:
- Cut fertilizer use by 30%
- Boost the adoption of organic manure fivefold
- Optimize irrigation practices and strengthen market linkages
According to the company, “By blending digital innovation with human connection, we’re proving that technology can be both accessible and transformative for rural communities.”
With the fresh capital, MazaoHub plans to expand its reach and impact through three major initiatives:
- Scaling low-cost soil kits and sensors to monitor and improve soil fertility nationwide
- Expanding the Farmer Excellence Centre network to support on-the-ground training and capacity building
- Growing its CropSupply.com platform to enhance farmer-to-market transactions and streamline agricultural value chains
The startup’s ambitious goal is to reach 500,000 smallholder farmers across Tanzania, contributing significantly to the nation’s broader objectives of food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture through data-driven farming practices.
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MazaoHub’s success reflects a broader shift in African agritech — leveraging artificial intelligence and precision agriculture to empower smallholder farmers, improve crop yields, and preserve the environment. By combining technological innovation with community-based engagement, MazaoHub is setting a new standard for how agritech can sustainably transform farming across the continent.
