Tanzanian agritech startup MazaoHub has successfully secured an oversubscribed $2 million in a pre-seed funding round to expand its hybrid model, which combines AI-powered soil intelligence with in-person support centers for farmers.
The investment comprises $1.5 million in equity, led by Catalyst Fund, with contributions from Nordic Impact Fund, Mercy Corps Ventures, elea Foundation, Impacc, and DOB Equity. An additional $500k in non-dilutive capital was provided by the Livelihood Impact Fund, highlighting a strong interest from investors in blended finance models that address climate adaptation challenges.
MazaoHub is tackling two critical issues faced by smallholder farmers in Africa: the lack of data for informed decision-making and the absence of reliable support to implement climate-smart farming practices. The company believes the solution lies not in more technology alone, but in the right combination of digital tools and hands-on expertise.
The “Tech and Touch” Model
MazaoHub employs a hybrid approach, known as “Tech and Touch,” which integrates proprietary low-cost soil sensors, portable soil testing kits, and an AI-powered, offline-first farm management platform. This system offers farmers crop dashboards and cost analysis tools, even in regions with poor connectivity.
The “touch” aspect of the model is embodied in its network of Farmer Excellence Centers—described as “agricultural clinics.” These are upgraded rural agribusinesses staffed with professional agronomists who utilize the platform’s data to provide personalized, in-person advice to farmers.
This model is designed to create a self-reinforcing cycle:
- Data-driven farming: Farmers receive specific recommendations on fertiliser usage, irrigation, and organic manure application. MazaoHub claims that this approach can reduce fertiliser consumption by up to 30% and increase the adoption of organic manure fivefold.
- Market access: At the end of the season, MazaoHub connects farmers to buyers through its sourcing platform, CropSupply.com, which ensures full traceability from soil data to shipment—an essential feature for corporate buyers concerned with supply chain transparency.
“Farmers evolve into data-driven decision-makers, buyers benefit from trusted traceability, and agribusinesses operate as climate-smart franchises,” says Geophrey Tenganamba, CEO and Co-Founder of MazaoHub. “This is where sustainability meets scale.”
Investors are drawn to MazaoHub’s approach because it offers a practical pathway for African agriculture to leap directly into a sustainable, data-driven future.
“MazaoHub is proving that African agriculture can combine data insights with local agronomists to enable large-scale sustainable farming,” says Maelis Carraro, Founder and Managing Partner at Catalyst Fund.
The focus on climate impact is another key factor. By optimizing agricultural inputs, the model reduces emissions, saves water, and improves soil health, helping farms become more resilient to climate shocks.
“Our investment is driven by the significant climate impact. MazaoHub is cutting emissions, increasing resilience, and ensuring that millions of smallholders are part of the digital transition,” adds Lisbeth Stausholm Zacho, Managing Director at Nordic Impact Funds.
The involvement of local financial institutions like CRDB Bank Foundation further strengthens the company’s offering. The bank plans to integrate financial products into MazaoHub’s ecosystem, using the platform’s data to reduce lending risks for smallholders.
“By linking financial products to MazaoHub’s soil intelligence and sourcing systems, we can ensure that the benefits farmers gain from data also reduce lending risks and foster systemic change,” explains Tullyesther Mwambapa, Managing Director at CRDB Foundation.
