Babban Gona Raises USD 7.5 M For AI-Powered Smallholder Farming In Nigeria

Nigerian agritech Babban Gona has raised USD 7.5 M in debt financing from British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, to expand access to credit and climate-smart farming solutions for smallholder farmers in northern Nigeria.

Founded in 2010, Babban Gona runs an AI-enabled franchise model that equips farmers with credit, inputs, agronomy training, storage, and market access. Its system allows top-performing farmers to operate micro-enterprises that supply peers with inputs and capital, eventually maturing into bankable agribusinesses. With BII’s backing, the company aims to boost yields and incomes for 140,000 farmers by 2029.

Agriculture contributes roughly 25% of Nigeria’s GDP and employs over 35% of its workforce, yet fewer than 5% of farmers have access to credit. Babban Gona’s model, which includes drought-resistant seeds, climate insurance, and AI-powered crop diagnostics, aims to close that gap.

The company is also piloting electric mobility for farmers, describing the initiative as a “Tesla for northern Nigeria.” If successful, Babban Gona’s mix of AI, climate resilience, and micro-franchising could serve as a blueprint for transforming smallholder agriculture across Africa.