Brian Matini

Co-founder and CEO of Twiga Foods, revolutionizing Africa's food supply chain to empower small businesses and farmers

Brian Matini is a Kenyan entrepreneur whose work with Twiga Foods has made a transformative impact on East Africa's food distribution system. Founded in 2017 but gaining significant traction post-2020, Twiga Foods uses mobile technology to connect small-scale farmers directly with informal retailers, eliminating exploitative middlemen and reducing food waste. This innovative model has created sustainable income streams for over 35,000 farmers and 20,000 retailers across Kenya and Tanzania by 2023. Twiga's platform ensures fresh produce reaches markets faster while providing financial services and market insights to previously underserved communities. Matini's vision addresses systemic inefficiencies in agricultural supply chains, earning recognition from the World Economic Forum and African Development Bank. His approach combines tech innovation with social impact, exemplifying how private sector solutions can drive inclusive economic growth in Africa.

Post-pandemic, Twiga expanded digital payment systems and cold storage infrastructure, helping merchants survive lockdowns. Matini's leadership also emphasizes gender equity - 35% of farmer partners are women. This scalable model has inspired similar ventures in Nigeria and Ethiopia, proving technology can democratize access to markets in rural economies. Read more about his work in Financial Times coverage and WEF articles.