As digital innovation gradually transforms Africa’s agricultural sector, Kilimo Bando is emerging as an appealing option for Tanzanian farmers.

Bizy Tech, a Tanzanian startup founded in 2015 by Mahmoud Shoo, has developed Kilimo Bando, an agritech solution aimed at improving resource and market access for local farms, thereby boosting productivity and profitability.

The Dar es Salaam-based company designed the service to address key challenges faced by Tanzanian farmers, including limited access to quality inputs, financing, and market opportunities. Its mobile application, currently available only on Android, has been downloaded over a hundred times, according to Play Store data. An intuitive interface allows users to connect directly with certified seed and fertilizer suppliers.

"We identified inefficiencies in access to quality inputs, timely financing, and reliable market linkages for over nine million smallholder farmers in Tanzania. Current solutions lack integration and scalability, making our platform uniquely positioned to fill this gap," said Rahim Shoo, head of product development and business operations at the startup.

Kilimo Bando integrates secure digital payment solutions, facilitating transactions and strengthening financial inclusion for farmers. It also offers several additional features, including Kilimo Akiba, which helps users save within the formal banking system to finance essential services during planting seasons.

Kilimo Bima is an insurance service covering crops, health, life, and equipment, with a particular focus on protecting harvests from disasters or other production disruptions. Kilimo Mkopo provides farmers with loans to invest in and enhance their productivity. Meanwhile, Kilimo Bora trains small-scale farmers in agronomy and soil management to improve crop quality. Kilimo Bando also offers real-time information on weather conditions and best agricultural practices.

The startup claims more than four million registered farmers and over 5,600 merchants. By integrating digital tools into the agricultural value chain, it is helping to modernize Tanzanian agriculture, promote the adoption of sustainable practices, and improve farmers’ resilience to climate and economic challenges.

By Adoni Conrad Quenum,

Editing by Feriol Bewa