AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

AI Maps Crops in Senegal with 84% Accuracy, Transforming Agriculture

The Tessera artificial intelligence tool, developed at the University of Cambridge, is revolutionizing crop mapping in Senegal, providing an accessible and precise solution for smallholder farms. By enabling better data collection, it could enhance food security in the face of growing climate challenges, particularly during El Niño periods. This technology could transform how governments and NGOs assess agricultural production in developing countries.

Morocco: Students Design Irrigation System That Recovers Drainage Water

In Casablanca, a group of students from the Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik has developed HERO, an intelligent irrigation system that recovers excess water from the soil for optimization. This project, which received the Eco-Citizenship Award from Vivo Energy Morocco, aims to address the challenges of water stress in Morocco by improving irrigation efficiency. However, real-world testing is necessary to assess its impact on water savings.

Twiga's Downfall Exposes Weaknesses in African Agrifoodtech Financing

The administration of Twiga does not signify the end of B2B food distribution in East Africa, but rather a paradigm shift. As economic and operational challenges mount, the sector must evolve towards more sustainable financing models, focusing on patient capital and physical infrastructure, to ensure the viability of agrifoodtech startups. Companies like East Africa Foods are leading the way by integrating innovative financing strategies and emphasizing operational sustainability.

Bayer Launches Tool in Morocco to Predict Residues Before Harvest

At the Food Safety Seminar in Agadir, Bayer Crop Science Morocco unveiled ResiYou, an innovative digital solution designed to anticipate residue concentrations before harvest. This new tool aims to enhance crop protection while meeting commercial outlet requirements, thereby facilitating the work of producers and their advisors. The event, in partnership with Tentamus, highlights the growing importance of food safety in the agritech sector.

Moroccan SweetCott Mandarin Secures European Protection Until 2056

The SweetCott mandarin, developed by Les Domaines, received a community plant variety protection title on September 7, 2026, valid until 2056. This recognition, following rigorous evaluations, secures the marketing of this late-maturing variety, which is distinguished by its taste characteristics and its ability to meet international market demands.

OpenAI Foundation Invests $60 Million in Agricultural AI in Asia and Africa

The University of Chicago and its partners receive $60 million in funding from the OpenAI Foundation to expand access to AI-based weather forecasting and crop disease tools, targeting 100 million small farmers in Southeast Asia and East Africa. This initiative promises to enhance food security and the resilience of agricultural systems in the face of climate challenges.

Absolute Launches INERA Organic Farming Platform in Kenya

Indian company Absolute begins its commercial operations in Africa with INERA, its branch dedicated to biological solutions, by launching six products in Kenya. This launch is part of a strategy to expand into other African and global markets, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity while respecting the environment. INERA partners with local stakeholders to tailor its solutions to the specific needs of Kenyan farmers, in a context where the continent's agricultural productivity remains below global standards.

Biobest Strengthens Its Presence in Morocco with Full Acquisition of Subsidiary

BioFirst Group announces that its division Biobest has finalized an agreement to acquire 100% of its biocontrol agent production subsidiary in Morocco, increasing its stake from 50% to 100%. This transaction, pending approval from the Moroccan competition authority, marks a key milestone in Biobest's development in the region, where beneficial insects for crop protection are produced. BioFirst CEO Jean-Marc Vandoorne emphasizes the company's commitment to providing high-quality biological solutions to growers.

Launch of the 'Grow Eastern Africa' Project for Sustainable Agriculture

The 'Grow Eastern Africa' project, initiated by K+S and DEG Impulse gGmbH, aims to enhance agricultural productivity and the resilience of smallholder farmers against climate change in Kenya and Uganda. Co-financed by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation, it offers training on plant nutrition and adapted agricultural practices, with the goal of reaching 10,000 farmers by 2028.

Three Genes Identified to Unlock Barriers in African and Asian Rice Crossbreeding

A team of Chinese researchers has discovered a genetic barrier complicating the crossbreeding of African and Asian rice varieties. This breakthrough could pave the way for the creation of high-yield hybrids, combining the strengths of both species to enhance productivity and resilience against climate challenges. The findings, published in the journal Science, highlight key genes and underscore the importance of further research to optimize these new varieties.

Citrange Carrizo: A Promising Rootstock Against Citrus Nematodes

A study conducted in Morocco shows that the Citrange Carrizo rootstock reduces the population of the nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans by 70% compared to other tested rootstocks. However, this resistance is relative and varies according to the nematode biotype, highlighting the importance of prior analysis before replanting.

Launch of Africa's First National Satellite Data Program by Planet Labs and Rwanda

On August 10, 2026, Planet Labs and the Rwandan government inaugurated a national satellite data program, marking a significant advancement for Africa. Managed by the Rwandan Space Agency, this program will provide near-daily Earth imagery, enabling better agricultural resource management, forest health monitoring, and effective urban planning. The data will be accessible to various stakeholders, including universities and start-ups, thus fostering innovation and sustainable development in the country.

Africa: Singaporean Company Olam Agri Invests in Local Supply Chains to Enhance Food Security

Olam Agri, a major player in the agrifood sector, is committed to transforming food systems in Africa by investing in local value chains. By connecting over 300,000 farmers to local and global markets, developing initiatives such as regenerative agriculture and climate-resilient seed varieties, enhancing processing infrastructure, and integrating sustainable farming practices, Olam Agri aims to build a resilient and self-sufficient food future for Africa.

American multinational SAS leverages analytics for South African micro-farms to optimize crop decisions

SAS, an American multinational and global leader in data and AI, has partnered with dataDecisions.ai to launch the Data for Good initiative aimed at helping micro-farmers in South Africa optimize their crop decisions and enhance food security. By analyzing data on crops and market prices, the project enables farmers to maximize their yields and better manage their resources without the need for costly digital infrastructure.

Leguminous Crops: Towards a Global Production of 70 Mt by 2034

According to the OECD, leguminous crop production is expected to grow by 26 Mt by 2034, with Canada as the leading exporter. Despite the anticipated increase, few countries will achieve self-sufficiency, particularly India, which remains the largest producer but cannot meet its population's needs. Innovative agricultural techniques and yield improvements are essential to meet the rising demand.

Elite Agro Holding Opens 200-Hectare Berry Farm in Morocco

The Emirati company Elite Agro Holding, through its subsidiary Elite Harvest Morocco, has opened a new 200-hectare farm in Kenitra, dedicated to the production of blueberries and raspberries. This investment of over 500 million AED underscores the group's commitment to the Moroccan agricultural market, creating more than 8,000 jobs and aiming to become the leader in berry production in the Arab world. The farm, equipped with modern technologies, is part of a strategy for sustainable development and competitiveness in international markets.

BASF Launches Efficon® in Egypt: A New Insecticide with Unique Action Against Sucking Pests

BASF Agricultural Solutions has launched Efficon®, a next-generation insecticide designed to effectively control pests in high-value crops in Egypt. With its active ingredient Axalion®, Efficon® provides long-lasting protection against sucking insects such as whiteflies and aphids, addressing the challenges of resistance and climate change.

Egypt: An Agrivoltaic Pilot to Reinvent Agriculture in Desert Areas

A consortium led by 3E, a Belgian company specializing in renewable energy, has launched an agrivoltaic project in southern Sinai aimed at improving food security and climate adaptation in arid regions. This innovative project, which combines renewable energy and agriculture, uses solar panels to reduce thermal stress on crops while generating electricity.

Agri-biotech: Elicit Plant Strengthens Its International Offensive Against Water Stress

Africa: Smallholder Agriculture Becomes a New Asset Class for Investors

Kaleidofin and Apollo Agriculture have completed the first local currency securitization for the smallholder sector in Kenya, mobilizing 276 million KES (approximately 2.1 million USD) for 23,839 farmers, including 51% women and 22% new borrowers. This initiative, supported by the IDH Farmfit Fund, marks a significant advancement in agricultural financing, with a BBB- investment rating assigned to this asset class. Through innovative technologies, Apollo assesses farmers' creditworthiness, thereby facilitating access to tailored financing in local currency.