Blessing Okagbue

Pioneered agricultural technology solutions in Nigeria, empowering smallholder farmers through Farmcrowdy

Blessing Okagbue is a Nigerian entrepreneur and innovator who has made significant contributions to agricultural technology through her company Farmcrowdy. Founded in 2016 but gaining major traction post-2020, Farmcrowdy connects urban investors with rural farmers, creating a digital ecosystem that revolutionizes traditional farming practices. Okagbue’s platform has enabled over 50,000 smallholder farmers to access capital, training, and market linkages, while allowing urban investors to earn returns through agri-investments. This model addresses food security challenges while reducing poverty in Nigeria, where agriculture employs 70% of the population. Her work has been recognized by the African Development Bank and Forbes Africa, which named her among its 30 Under 30 in 2022. Beyond business, Okagbue advocates for gender equality in tech, mentoring young female entrepreneurs through initiatives like Tech in Asia. Her vision aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Okagbue’s impact extends to policy advocacy, pushing for digital agriculture frameworks across West Africa. Critics note scalability challenges, but her innovative approach has inspired similar platforms in Kenya and Ethiopia.