Ghana is set to take a bold step toward becoming Africa’s first AI-powered agricultural hub, thanks to a landmark $100 million investment announced by Degas Limited. Spread over the next four years, this initiative is designed to expand the company’s proven model that has already supported more than 86,000 smallholder farmers across 122,000 acres nationwide.
At the core of Degas’ approach is a powerful combination of AI-driven satellite monitoring and precision agriculture techniques. These tools provide farmers with accurate insights into crop performance, risks, and resource use, helping them increase yields and reduce losses. According to Degas CEO and founder Doga Makiura, the system has already doubled farmers’ incomes while maintaining an impressive 95% repayment rate on financing provided.
Japanese investors are taking notice. Makiura highlighted the growing interest from Japan, noting that Ghana’s integrated approach to agriculture is now seen as a benchmark for investment opportunities across the continent. He emphasized that the country’s alignment of technology with a national vision has created the right conditions for smallholder farmers to thrive.
Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, welcomed the announcement as a strong endorsement of the nation’s agricultural transformation agenda. He underscored that the investment reflects Ghana’s commitment to building integrated value chains that connect farmers to finance, storage, processing, and markets. By leveraging AI and precision technologies, Mahama noted, the country aims to enhance food security, increase productivity, and generate sustainable jobs, particularly for young people in rural areas.
The funding will enable Degas Limited to scale up its farmer financing programs, satellite-based crop monitoring, and precision agronomy services. It will also deepen collaboration with key stakeholders in input supply, logistics, and offtake, ensuring that local value chains are strengthened from production to market.
With this investment, Ghana is positioning itself as a pioneer in applying artificial intelligence to agriculture, setting an example for other African nations seeking to modernize their food systems and empower smallholder farmers.