Agriculture has long battled a stereotype in Africa that it’s a job for the unambitious, the fallback for those with no better option. But one woman is flipping that narrative on its head.

In this exclusive interview with AgroCentric, Oluwadara Adekunle, Founder and Managing Partner of Farmties Capital Limited, a Trade and Investment Company, shares how a single moringa tree in her backyard sparked a vision to transform how Africa funds its food systems. What started as a small farm quickly grew into something more: a mission to fix the broken links between farmers, markets, and capital.

Dara discusses the hurdles she’s faced, the innovations she’s championing, and her dream of seeing Nigerian and African-grown products proudly displayed on global shelves.

Tell us about yourself, your background, education, and what you’re currently focused on.

My name is Oluwadara Adekunle. I am the Founder and Managing Partner of Farmties Capital Limited. I studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Covenant University and earned an MBA in Leadership and Innovation from the Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland.

I’ve always been in agriculture and food security since I graduated. I’ve also worked on several donor-funded projects around agribusiness financing. It’s been a transformative journey, personally and professionally.

So how did someone who studied electrical engineering get involved with agriculture?

It started in the classroom. During a power systems lecture in engineering school, our lecturer talked about alternative power sources, specifically biofuel. Moringa and Jatropha were mentioned as potential crops for biofuel, which caught my attention.

I planted moringa for biofuel but quickly realised its true demand was food and wellness. People kept coming to my small farm to buy the leaves. That was my lightbulb moment; this plant had more commercial value than expected.

That little spark pushed me to do more. People from the South started asking, “Do you only farm moringa? What about maize or soybean?” That opened my eyes to how underserved farming communities were and how difficult it was for them to reach the right markets.

How old were you when the idea for all this started?

I was 22. It was around 2013, my final year. My parents had a moringa tree, and when I told my mum I wanted to start a farm, she gave me seeds she had saved. I planted about 50 trees with the help of someone I hired and worked alongside.

Moringa grows quickly. Soon, I started processing the leaves into powder and packaging seeds. I even supplied a pharmacy regularly while I was still doing NYSC. It was a hands-on experience, and that really grounded me.

How has your engineering background shaped your journey in agriculture?

Immensely. I was a very active engineering student working every break on real-world projects. I did everything from telecoms to networking to microcontroller programming. But beyond that, I always thought about how we could apply engineering to fix real, rural problems.

That’s what drew me to agriculture. Rural areas need electricity, internet, and efficient logistics to support farming. My engineering mindset helped me see agriculture not as subsistence but as a system that needed structure, tools, and smart thinking.

I always say, “I’m still an engineer. I just apply it differently.” Agriculture is a space where you can use all of engineering, from food processing to renewable energy and systems design.

When did you officially start Farmties Capital Limited?

Right after graduation, really. I started farming during my NYSC year. But in 2014, I participated in the Junior Achievement Nigeria’s Venture in Management Programme (ViMP) at the Lagos Business School. That experience made me take my work seriously. It pushed me to see this as a real business. Back then, it wasn’t even called Farmties Capital; it was Dahrah Global Limited. “Farmties” was just a trade name. Then came the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) in 2015—specifically, the Regional Leadership Center (RLC) for West Africa in Accra, Ghana. I was privileged to be part of the inaugural cohort, joining a dynamic group of emerging leaders from across the region.

Established by the U.S. government, the YALI RLC was designed to strengthen leadership, foster collaboration, and build capacity in areas like business and entrepreneurship, civil society, and public policy. I participated in the entrepreneurship track, and the experience was transformative not just for the skills I gained, but for the community and clarity of purpose it gave me moving forward. I realised this was what I was meant to do: build something that would solve real agricultural financing problems in Africa. In addition, I had my YALI internship experience with Technoserve Nigeria and that experience gave me a lot of value working in a structured environment.

At what point did you shift from farming to providing financing for others in the space?

That’s a good question. Like I mentioned, farming didn’t stop. We kept our moringa farm running and did several farming projects, though it was tough keeping up sometimes. What really shifted was the kind of things we tried. One of the early projects we did was in Benue State, where we gave farmers fertiliser, seed, and crop protection products so that they could grow soybean for us. We gave those things in kind, helping them get what they needed.

We also raised private capital. There was no crowdfunding, and nothing complex. A few people who trusted us funded us; they could visit our farm projects and storage locations and see things for themselves, both the wins and losses. We kept it real.

Then there was commodity trading. We worked with AFEX, the African Commodities Exchange. In 2015, AFEX had an early-stage system where you emailed them to place trades. Sounds basic, but it worked. Then there was a Nasdaq-like platform; this is a story for AFEX to tell themselves. (LOL) The funny thing is that we had the same idea but couldn’t fund it. I even studied the operations of a commodities exchange in Ethiopia, which blew my mind about what was possible. So, we didn’t try to recreate it. We just plugged in. In 2016, we mirrored those trades on Farmties.com; people could see what commodities were available, and if someone placed a trade, we’d execute it through AFEX.

By 2020 or so, AFEX built an app. For us, that was very interesting. We signed on as a promoter, basically like being a sub-broker, since the platform is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We started teaching people about commodity investing through webinars, community chats, and other similar activities to get individuals to invest. All of this helped us realise how to structure capital well and do it sustainably. I’ve always leaned more toward trade. Farming’s tricky here; there are too many unknowns. But with trading, if you buy at harvest when there’s surplus, store it, and sell later when prices go up, there’s real value there. Our parents did that with beans and palm oil; it’s just the same thing with better tools now.

Starting a business right out of University must have been challenging. What were some of the biggest hurdles?

Money. When you’re aggregating commodities for export, you need cash. You can’t tell farmers, “Trust me, I’ll pay you later.” You need capital. And it wasn’t just our problem. Many agro-processors, traders, and aggregators face the same issue. Traditional financing systems tend to favour businesses with hard assets and predictable cash flow cycles. Many agricultural enterprises don’t fit that profile, even though they can be profitable and impactful

That’s the gap we’re trying to fill with Farmties. We’re building systems to de-risk trade and make access to capital more possible and sustainable for those who need it most.

What’s the core mission of Farmties Capital Limited, and how does it stand out in the agri-business space?

Our mission is simple but powerful: to create shared prosperity for Africa’s agricultural future. That means building solutions that actually work for farmers and agro-SMEs. We focus on co-creation, not just giving you finance but partnering with you to scale. 

So in 10 years, you can say, “Farmties helped us expand, enter new markets, or build that factory.” That’s the kind of growth we want to support.

Can you highlight a couple of success stories from Farmties’ journey?

We’re still in the early stages, but we’ve made meaningful progress that lays the foundation for what we’re building. One of the things we’re most proud of is establishing early market linkages to help African agribusinesses, especially SMEs, connect to global buyers. We are working closely with several export-ready businesses across sectors like hibiscus, coffee, and avocados, supporting them with insights around financing and market access.

We’ve also been intentional about designing a flexible trade finance model that aligns better with the realities of growing exporters. Instead of relying on interest-based loans, our structure aims to share in upside while reducing financial pressure on businesses. This thinking is shaping flagship Farmties Fund I, which we’re currently developing to scale this work.

The more significant milestones are still ahead, but the building blocks are in place. We’re drawing from strong partnerships, a thoughtful team, and a growing pipeline to position Farmties as a long-term enabler of inclusive trade and growth. 

Regarding Africa’s development, from what Farmties does, what role do you think local investors and the diaspora can play in driving innovation and sustainability for agriculture generally?

Both diaspora and local investors have important roles to play. Diaspora investors often bring capital, global exposure, and a strong emotional connection to home. Local investors bring deep market knowledge and a long-term presence. When equipped with the right tools and training, they can drive the kind of innovation that is truly grounded in reality.

I often challenge the diaspora because we’ve seen too many imported solutions that don’t fit the African context. But I also understand that people work with what’s available. The truth is, whether African or not, those who have lived or worked on the continent tend to build more relevant and effective solutions.

One of the biggest opportunities is knowledge sharing. I’ve seen diaspora-led farms overseas grow specialty crops using modern tools and systems. Some of them are now investing back home. In countries like the U.S. or Canada, farming is far less risky than it is in many African countries. That contrast matters. The way we’ve been farming and exporting raw goods just doesn’t compete on a global scale.

This is where the diaspora can make a real difference. In North America, tractors and harvesters are already semi-automated. Tomorrow, AI might handle most of the work. I’ve worked on farms in Nigeria, and I’ve seen the difference firsthand. Hoe-and-cutlass methods are insufficient if we’re serious about food security and competitiveness.

We need more business-minded farmers, starting with 5 hectares and scaling to 10 or even 200. Let’s move away from the “1 million farmers” idea and start thinking about “1 million agribusinesses” that serve local and regional markets.

It’s not easy, but it’s possible to invest strategically. We need to think beyond remittances and real estate. Agriculture, processing, and manufacturing should be at the centre of the conversation. If companies are exiting Nigeria, someone has to step in. We cannot continue importing what we can grow or produce locally. And what we don’t consume, we should be exporting, with value added.

How can we leverage knowledge-sharing to empower Nigerian farmers and address the brain drain that underdevelops Africa? What solutions do you propose? 

I see it a bit differently. Not everyone will leave, and many who do still find ways to contribute, whether they return home or support local projects from abroad. Exposure is a gift. It expands how we think, helps us see possibilities, and can inspire more practical, scalable solutions.

The real question is: Do you remember where you came from? Are you building with that in mind? I’m doing that with Farmties, supporting African producers while staying connected to global markets. We don’t all have to be on the ground, but we do have to remain rooted in the continent’s needs and commit to building value around that.

Many agribusiness owners say Nigeria’s agricultural policies don’t support them. What’s your take?

I’ve had the privilege of working on agricultural policies in Nigeria, including the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP), which, in my opinion, is one of the most well-designed. The real issue isn’t the lack of good policies; it’s implementation. It takes a long time to develop these frameworks, and while many people often blame the government, the truth is, we all have a part to play. For instance, I commend the government’s current effort to revive the Bank of Agriculture. That’s a solid move. But the question is: what can each sector, especially the private sector, do to support this revamp?

Of course, some policies are outdated and need to be revisited. But beyond rewriting, we must ask, “Why aren’t these good ideas taking root?” African countries often treat their problems as isolated. Still, while we delay, countries in South America are solving their problems and capturing global market opportunities that we should also be contributing to.

Policies carry good intentions, but the failure often lies in how they’re executed. Implementation includes people, civil service workers, private actors, you and me. That’s why I strongly believe in the role of the private sector and advocacy groups like Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG). Their voice is critical in holding systems accountable and ensuring these great policies don’t remain just words on paper.

You’ve worked on major projects like USAID’s Feed the Future and with Global Affairs Canada. What lessons stood out? What lessons can Nigerians apply from these?

Yes, I worked on the USAID-funded Feed the Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity, and also with Global Affairs Canada, particularly on agriculture-focused blended finance and climate finance programs. These donor initiatives are evolving. They’re beginning to think beyond grants and toward sustainable capital deployment, more systems thinking, more trade-building. Even though USAID is currently paused due to shifts in the United States’ leadership and strategic direction, the intention behind many of these programs is long-term economic strengthening. 

But here’s the thing: African countries often ask, “What can the West do for us?” I believe it’s time we asked instead, “What can we do for each other?” We need to stop positioning ourselves solely as recipients of aid. Africa has value. We’re not a continent of problems; we’re a continent of opportunity.

When our leaders sit at the table with foreign governments, they should speak from a place of strength, not scarcity. Africa is always on the global agenda. If we don’t use this moment, this “Africa Rising 2.0” era, to lay strong foundations for doing business our way, we’ll watch others build the future for us. This is our time to move from aid to smart investing. From dependency to ecosystem-building. The world sees Africa’s potential. We need to show that we see it too.

How do you balance Farmties, international work, personal life, and everything else?

By being intentional. I focus on my strengths and work with experienced and passionate people. I don’t do this alone, thank God for that. Having the right team, mentors, family, and believers in your corner makes all the difference. I’ve been blessed with people who supported me when they didn’t have to. That tells me I’m on the right path, even if it’s long.

You’re a woman in a male-dominated field. What’s that experience been like for you? What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

That’s a great question, and I’d say you’re asking someone who’s been in that space for a while. I studied engineering, which meant I was often the only woman or one of the few women in male-dominated environments. Maybe that shaped me. Maybe it made me a bit of an “iron lady.” But in those spaces, it wasn’t about gender but about competence. Could you deliver on the job? 

That mindset shaped how I approach agriculture, too. While it is true that many parts of the agricultural value chain, especially trade, logistics, and finance, are male-dominated, I focus on what I bring to the table. Women do face barriers, particularly in accessing financing and being taken seriously in leadership. But I have learned that sometimes being the only woman in the room can be a strength. You stand out. So use it. Let your work speak. Show that what they say women aren’t, we are, and more.

From my experience and research, women in agriculture don’t default on loans. We invest with intention, think long-term, and build sustainability into everything. That’s something we should highlight boldly and clearly. It’s not just about women supporting women, though that’s vital. It’s also about the men who make space for women. I’ve been lifted by incredible men who believed in my ability and gave me a shot. So let’s not forget the “he’s” championing women, too.

Don’t let the fact that you’re the only woman in the room shake you. You’re there because you earned it. Lead with that. Speak louder. Own your value. And as you rise, make room for others, too.

 What leadership principle guides your work?

Servant leadership. I could’ve been any kind of investor, but I chose impact because I believe in service. Leadership means listening, showing empathy, removing ego, and building something bigger than myself. My Christian faith plays a big part in how I lead. It reminds me that this isn’t about ownership; it’s about stewardship.

What does the future of agribusiness investment in Africa look like to you?

I want to move from donor-dependency to real investment, smart, private, blended capital. Agriculture doesn’t need traditional VC funds. It needs flexible, tailored finance that understands its rhythms. I want to see success stories where agriculture leads the economy. I want to see commercial models replace subsistence. I want gender equity, climate resilience, and real growth measured in yield and impact. We have what it takes. It’s time to scale what works.

What role do you think impact investing plays in food security?

It bridges the gap. It aligns money with mission. It’s the kind of financing agriculture actually needs: patient, practical, and rooted in real business outcomes. We’ve seen it work in South Asia and parts of Europe. Africa can adapt and lead. Impact investing can help us build supply chains, not just plant seeds. It’s the only way we make agriculture a real economic engine.

 What message would you leave for people passionate about agriculture in Africa?

 Agriculture isn’t just about farming; it’s about business. And business isn’t just about profit; it’s about purpose. Africa has everything it needs. We just need systems that work for women, youth, and smallholders. We need to build businesses that make Nigerian products shelf-ready for Walmart. That’s the vision.

 We all have a role to play. If you care about food, trade, or community, you’re already part of the movement. Let’s build it right.

Thank you, Dara. This was powerful. You can connect with Dara on LinkedIn and book a consultation with her.