-- Zebra CropBank, a forward-thinking agri-tech company revolutionizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, has announced a major breakthrough aimed at changing the way farmers interact with markets.
The company is introducing a system that allows farmers to convert their crops into tradable assets, opening up a new era of financial inclusion, market access, and profitability for agricultural producers.
Zebra CropBank is an innovative platform founded to reduce post-harvest losses and bring transparency to Nigeria’s food supply chain. The company uses advanced technology to aggregate, store, and manage crops, helping smallholder farmers earn more from their harvest. By using modern solutions, Zebra CropBank turns stored crops into financial tools that farmers can use to access credit and trade fairly in commodity markets.
This development is vital at a time when Nigeria continues to lose nearly 40% of its harvested crops to poor storage and broken market systems. Most small-scale farmers grow food in remote areas and often have no way to preserve or trade their produce properly. Many of them are forced to sell crops at low prices right after harvest, missing out on better market opportunities.
By introducing crop-backed trading, Zebra CropBank is giving farmers the power to keep their crops safe in secure warehouses and use them as tradable items. The model works like a digital banking system where farmers store produce and receive warehouse receipts. These receipts are official records that can be traded or used to borrow money. The crops stored act like savings, and the receipts become assets.
This new model is especially helpful for rural farmers who often do not have access to traditional banks. Instead of waiting for middlemen or struggling to sell during low-price seasons, they now have control over when and how they trade their goods. The system not only gives them better income but also helps bring stability to the entire food supply chain.
At the core of this effort is the company's partnership with the Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX). With a ₦25 billion investment plan, this partnership is building national storage centers and trading systems. Over 110,000 farmers are expected to benefit in the first year alone. The company is also working closely with the Benue State Government to create technology enabled storage infrastructure for crops like soybeans, sesame seeds, and cassava. These crop banks help farmers preserve their products and convert them into tradeable assets.
The founder and CEO of the company, Buffy Okeke-Ojiudu, explained that their goal is to fix the deep-rooted problems in Nigeria’s farming economy. He said that by turning crops into tradeable, stored assets, Zebra CropBank is creating a farming system where farmers have more power, fewer losses, and greater profits. He added that helping farmers first is the best way to build a strong future for agriculture in Nigeria.
Industry leaders believe that this system could serve as a model for the entire African continent. By using smart storage, digital tools, and fair market practices, countries can protect food supplies, reduce waste, and grow their economies.
The company's approach is both modern and practical. Farmers store their crops at designated sites across the country and receive digital proof of the goods. These digital receipts can be used for trading, borrowing, or even saving. The transparency of the system builds trust and ensures farmers get fair prices for their work.
Experts agree that solving post-harvest loss is key to achieving food security. With this model, Zebra CropBank has taken a big step in the right direction. Farmers are now able to treat their crops not just as food, but as real financial assets.
As Nigeria moves toward a future of stronger agriculture, fewer food shortages, and better trade networks, Zebra CropBank is standing as a leader in innovation. With their unique solution, they are helping farmers become stronger players in the economy, not just producers in the field.
About the company
Zebra CropBank is a Nigerian agri-tech company dedicated to improving the agricultural value chain. Led by Buffy Okeke-Ojiudu, the company provides storage, trading, and financial services to farmers, helping them reduce losses and gain fair access to markets. With a mission to build a better food system, Zebra CropBank is transforming how farming works in Nigeria.
Contact Info:
Name: Marshal Fuludu
Email: Send Email
Organization: Zebra CropBank
Address: Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Phone: +234 803 9122 731
Website: https://zebracropbank.com/
Release ID: 89164216
Google
RSS