Blessing Okolobe

Nigerian agri-tech pioneer connecting smallholder farmers to markets through digital platforms

Blessing Okolobe is the founder of FarmCrowdy, a Nigerian agritech startup launched in 2016 that uses mobile technology to connect smallholder farmers with markets and investors. His platform has enabled over 20,000 farmers to access capital and training by 2019, increasing their incomes by an average of 300%. The platform's 'crowdfunding for farms' model allows investors to support specific crops, creating a transparent supply chain. Okolobe's innovation addresses food security challenges in West Africa, reducing post-harvest losses through better logistics coordination. His work has been featured in African Business Magazine, and received funding from Silicon Valley investors. By 2020, FarmCrowdy had processed over $15 million in agricultural investments, demonstrating the viability of tech-driven solutions in agriculture. Okolobe's TED Talk 'Revolutionizing African Agriculture' explains his vision for a continent-led food revolution.