Africa Feeds the World; It’s Time It Reaped the Value
Africa Feeds the World; It’s Time It Reaped the Value
Africa stands at a crossroads of immense agricultural potential and transformative economic opportunity. Holding 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land and boasting one of the fastest-growing, youngest populations globally, the continent is more than capable of feeding itself and the world. Yet, a significant portion of its agricultural output is exported in raw form, with limited local value addition. This model leaves billions in potential earnings on the table and stifles the creation of jobs, industries, and inclusive prosperity.
At Oxano Capital, we believe this can and must change. The future of food is being built in Africa, and the time to invest in that future is now.
Africa’s agricultural exports are vast. From cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana to cashews in Nigeria, coffee in Ethiopia, and fruits and vegetables in Kenya, the continent plays a pivotal role in the global food system. However, over 80% of these commodities are exported without significant processing. The result? Other countries extract the real economic value through processing, packaging, branding, and retailing stages that create high-value jobs and generate wealth.
Take cocoa, for example. It is estimated that Africa produces nearly 75% of the world’s cocoa beans but earns less than 5% of the global chocolate market value, estimated at over USD 100 billion. The discrepancy isn’t due to lack of demand, but lack of infrastructure, investment, and supportive ecosystems to process and brand locally.
Agro-processing, the transformation of raw agricultural products into consumer goods, is a proven economic multiplier. It not only extends the shelf life of products but more value than raw exports. It drives forward and backward linkages, boosts rural employment, and increases the resilience of farmers by stabilizing demand.
Moreover, it enables domestic and regional brands to compete globally, positioning African products not just as raw materials, but as premium, sustainable, and traceable goods aligned with evolving consumer values. Investing in this segment supports job creation, rural development and export diversitication moving up African products in the global value chain.
At Oxano Capital, we invest in African agro-industrial ventures that turn raw potential into lasting prosperity while buidling local capacity champion African brands and integrate smallholder farmers. Our investments are not just about financial return they’re about building ecosystems that empower communities, reduce reliance on imports, and drive a local circular economy.
The global food system is undergoing a seismic shift driven by sustainability, traceability, and new consumer expectations. Africa is not just the next frontier; it is the new foundation. But to fully realize this potential, strategic and patient capital is needed to build processing infrastructure, scale innovations, and unlock export-ready brands.
Africa feeds the world. Now is the time for Africa to reap the full value of what it grows.
Join us catalyze businesses that don’t just feed the world but own their rightful share of its value.