📊 Market Opportunity & 🇰🇪 Why Kenya?
📊 Market Opportunity
The global demand for food — especially natural, export-grade crops — is rising sharply. IIGAD is strategically positioned to take advantage of this trend by farming in Kenya and exporting to global buyers.
🌍 Global Trends Driving Demand
🌱 Rising demand for healthy, plant-based foods (e.g. sesame, peanuts, ginger)
🌐 Countries reducing dependence on China and India for agricultural imports
🛒 Food security is now a global investment priority
📈 Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to become a top agricultural supplier by 2030
🇰🇪 Why Kenya?
Kenya is one of the most export-friendly agricultural countries in Africa, thanks to:
✅ AGOA (U.S.) – African Growth and Opportunity Act allows duty-free exports to the U.S.
✅ EPA (EU) – Economic Partnership Agreements give Kenya low-tariff access to Europe
✅ Fertile soil and stable climate for 2–3 crop cycles per year
✅ Functional ports (Mombasa) and airports (Nairobi)
📦 Crop Demand Snapshot
Sesame
Tahini, oil, health foods
China, Europe, U.S., UAE
Peanuts
Protein snacks, peanut butter
U.S., India, Africa
Onions
Daily cooking staple
East Africa, India
These crops are low-risk, store well, and have strong buyer interest year-round.
✅ Why This Market Is Underserved
Most small farmers in Kenya:
Rely on middlemen who pay low prices
Have no access to export logistics
Cannot scale or rotate crops efficiently
IIGAD is building a direct export farm model that cuts out inefficiencies and maximizes land ROI.
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