Nile.ag, a South African agricultural technology platform, has secured R200 million (US$10.6 million) in funding to expand its services across Southern Africa. The funding round was led by the Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund, with additional investment from FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, and existing investor Platform Investment Partners.
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Since its establishment in 2021, Nile has facilitated the trade of over 225,000 tons of produce through its online marketplace. The company anticipates that this volume will more than double in the coming year as more farmers adopt digital tools to reduce transaction costs and improve transparency.
Originally launched to simplify fresh produce sales, Nile has since broadened its scope to offer an integrated digital platform that includes agricultural supplies, financing options, and data services. Through the platform, farmers can manage the full agricultural cycle — from purchasing seeds and fertilizer to acquiring post-harvest packaging materials. These activities are supported by financial partnerships that offer access to credit. Harvested crops can then be sold through Nile's online marketplace to local and international buyers, with access to real-time data and the option for instant payment on delivery.
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Commercial buyers are increasingly using the platform as an alternative to traditional government-operated markets. Nile's direct-to-farmer model is designed to streamline procurement, reduce food waste, and lower transaction fees, while aiming to ensure fresh produce quality. The company has established regional fulfilment centres, including cold chain infrastructure, to address post-harvest losses and support food supply chains.
Nile has recently expanded into international markets, providing access to buyers in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The company reports that this has created new opportunities for Southern African farmers to engage with global markets.
The new funding will be used to scale Nile's operations across Southern Africa, with plans to grow its agricultural inputs marketplace and introduce additional financing solutions in collaboration with partner banks.
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Nile was founded by Louis de Kock, Eugene Roodt, and Rick Kleynhans, who bring experience from companies such as Amazon, JP Morgan, and Luno. The company's stated goal is to improve farmer livelihoods by offering digital tools for trade and financial access.
Investment representatives from AfricInvest and FMO noted Nile's potential to improve agricultural efficiency and farmer access to markets. They pointed to the platform's contribution to the broader agricultural value chain and its alignment with goals for increasing digital trade and financial inclusion in the sector.
© NileFor more information:
Melissa Lombaard
Nile
Tel: +27 (0) 82 729 9252
Email: [email protected]
www.nile.ag
