Henock Shimels

Ethiopian tech innovator who developed an app to revolutionize smallholder farming

Henock Shimels is a visionary Ethiopian entrepreneur whose work in agricultural technology has significantly impacted food security across Africa. Born in 1990 in Addis Ababa, he witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by smallholder farmers who lacked access to modern tools and market information. In 2015, he co-founded Twiga Foods, a tech-driven supply chain platform that connects farmers directly with urban buyers through mobile technology. This innovation reduced post-harvest losses by over 40% and increased farmer incomes by 20% in Kenya and Tanzania alone. His subsequent project, FarmDrive, provides credit scoring systems for farmers using digital transaction data, breaking down traditional barriers to financial inclusion. Shimels' work has been featured in Forbes Africa and the World Economic Forum, positioning him as a leader in the continent's agritech revolution. His approach combines machine learning with deep cultural understanding to create sustainable solutions that empower millions of rural families.