ThriveAgric Collaboration with Visa Brings Financial Literacy to Kenyan Farmers
Visa has announced a strategic partnership with ThriveAgric, a tech-driven startup aimed at transforming the payment systems for smallholder farmers. This collaboration will support ThriveAgric's expansion into Kenya, where the company will establish local hubs in five counties: Busia, Homabay, Migori, Nandi, and Narok.
ThriveAgric, also recognized as the global winner of the 2022 Visa Everywhere Initiative, will use these hubs as learning centers. Here, farmers will receive training, distribute agricultural inputs, and aggregate produce during harvest. The initiative aims to reach up to 10,000 farmers, providing them with essential skills and resources.
“Smallholder farmers are essential to the Kenyan economy and to our vision of expanding the digital payments ecosystem. This partnership will enable us to build a strong network to directly benefit farmers. We are also excited to partner with a start-up that has emerged from our Visa Everywhere Initiative contest, demonstrating the value it offers for start-ups that participate," said Eva Ngigi-Sarwari, Country Manager for Kenya at Visa.
The project emphasizes financial literacy and inclusion, offering tailored financial training and facilitating access to financial services. Farmers will be able to open bank accounts and receive Visa cards, enhancing their financial capabilities.
Ayo Arikawe, Co-founder of ThriveAgric, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, marking it as a significant milestone in their ongoing Kenyan expansion.
Overall, the partnership seeks to empower Kenyan farmers through technology, enhancing their financial stability and productivity.
Source: CIO Africa